Address by

Ion ILIESCU, President of Romania

On the occasion of the 2^nd part of the 2002 Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Session, in Strasbourg, on 23 April 2002

Mr President, Members, distinguished guests,

It is an honour for me to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe again, and to describe the progress made by Romania in areas of great interest to the country, such as democratisation, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the treatment of minorities and of children who are placed in institutions, and preparations for accession to the European Union and NATO. I should like to thank you for inviting me to address this forum, one which is representative of European democracy.

When I addressed the plenary Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe before, I did so one year after Romania had joined the Organisation, and the development of relations between Romania and the Council of Europe has subsequently been remarkable in every respect.

It gives me great pleasure to greet several long-standing friends of Romania who are present in this Chamber, people whose assistance, advice and efforts have helped us greatly in the process of integrating Romania into the family of Council member states.

One of the founding fathers of Europe, Robert Schuman, declared in 1953 that we needed to construct Europe, not only in the interest of the free countries, but also in order to bring into it the countries of eastern Europe once they had been freed from all their previous constraints and
requested membership of the Community.

His view was correct: once they were free from the constraints of communist totalitarianism, the countries of eastern Europe, among them Romania, requested and worked for membership of the Council of Europe, the European Union and NATO.

The fall of the Iron Curtain which had divided our continent since the Second World War provided countries like Romania with a unique opportunity to reject their totalitarian past and to assimilate the values of democracy and human rights and fundamental freedoms, and also to create the rule of law and the necessary institutions.

Over the years, we have acquired confidence in the future and learned to aspire to a united Europe, based on the fundamental rules common to the free nations which are equal in law.

Since its foundation, the Council of Europe has, as a representative of the interest of Europe’s citizens, built up a system of clearly defined values and rules, spearheaded by the European Convention on Human Rights. Thus the Council’s member states take on responsibility for combating violations of human rights, and they undertake to ensure that such rights are respected.

As soon as it joined the Council of Europe, Romania underwent a complete transformation of both the state and its institutions, a radical change in the status of its minorities and an improvement of the implementation and honouring of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Throughout these years, we have done everything we could to strengthen and deepen democracy and to encourage our citizens to participate more in decision-taking at central and local levels.

Romania’s democratic institutions and political system have been consolidated thanks to the experience acquired and thanks to the test undergone when power twice changed hands, in 1996 and 2000.

Romania may be described as having reached normality, where its political and social climate and the honouring of democratic rules are concerned. Romanian society has matured and has taken fully on board the values and the instruments for political action characteristic of western countries. Please allow me to emphasise the contribution made by the Council of Europe to the success of this process.

The stability and efficiency of state institutions, combined with citizens’ confidence in the institutions, have improved at tremendous speed. We are delighted to note that the citizens of Romania have accepted as part of their democratic practice and are already making use of an institution which is quite new to their political and institutional traditions, namely the office of the ombudsman. The office is shortly to be expanded to include a children’s ombudsman, in an expression of our constant concern to uphold and to promote the rights of the child.

An important part of the reforms now under way is reform of the public service and decentralisation, involving the strengthening of the administrative autonomy of local communities. The new Law on local self-government, adopted in 2001, complies fully with the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government, as well as being completely in line with the recommendations of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe. It gives a clear definition of the responsibilities of local authorities and of their relations with central government. The Law meets the interests of national minorities, entitling them to use either their mother tongue or the official language in dealings with the public service in places where minorities represent at least 20% of the population.

The justice system, like the public service, is currently undergoing far-reaching reform, based on criteria which include those of the Council of Europe. A radical review of the Penal Code to which statutory form is now being given will enable the Code to be brought into line with the standards applied in the member states of the European Union.

The honouring of human rights and fundamental freedoms remains the major objective of Romania’s political class and civil society. In this sphere, the progress made by Romania already is substantial. We are aware of our shortcomings, knowing that inertia sometimes sets in, and that these principles are even sometimes violated.

The Romanian government and civil society are working together to overcome these legislative and institutional weaknesses, focusing on a few priority fields: the protection of children, the trafficking of human beings, the integration into society of the Roma minority, the restitution of property, and the extension and deepening of both human rights and fundamental freedoms.

I should like to emphasis two of these priorities: the restitution of property and the integration into society of the Roma minority. Romania has taken appropriate action in good faith to make good the injustices and abuses of its totalitarian regimes.

However, account also needs to be taken, of course, of certain economic and social constraints. Most of these properties no longer physically exist. Others - converted using taxpayers’ money - have become public buildings, housing schools, hospitals and museums.

It is our wish to solve this problem as rapidly as possible, in a spirit or justice and social equity. But a country like Romania finds it difficult to finance the consequences of such acts of restitution, for, leaving aside applications for restitution in kind, the financial sums claimed in compensation to date are nearing 3 billion dollars. By way of comparison, foreign investment in Romania has totalled 7 billion dollars over a 12-year period. To this has to be added the work required to build new housing for those who have been forced to leave and new buildings for public institutions which have to move when the original owners reclaim their property.

Romania will comply with its obligations, endeavouring not to cause any new abuses or injustices and to ensure that society is able to bear the burden of this process. The Romanian state has lost two cases at the European Court of Human Rights, cases relating to property. We are determined to ensure that the decisions of the Court are fully complied with, inter alia by making the domestic legislative changes required as a result of these decisions. At the same time, we should like to highlight our wish for the European Court to take into consideration the actual economic and social situation of each country when it determines the amount of compensation.

The integration into society of the Roma minority is one of the Romanian government’s priorities, under a national strategy approved early in 2001. There are advisors for the Roma minority at prefectures and town halls, but also within other state institutions, including the President’s Office. Their task is to co-ordinate social protection and integration action taken to help the Roma minority. Special funds have been allocated to achieve a decline in the numbers dropping out of schooling, to encourage education in the Romany language and to publish textbooks in that language. Broadcasting slots on the national channels have been reserved for radio and television programmes for the Roma minority.

Romania has adopted a law against discrimination, including racial discrimination, and has endeavoured to change the majority’s perception of the Roma.

We base ourselves on the principle that the Roma, like other minorities, are citizens with equal obligations and equal rights. We have been, and still are, receptive to any observations and suggestions relating to machinery and guarantees enabling minorities fully to enjoy their rights and to affirm their respective identities.

However, we could not accept an excessive, or even abusive, interpretation of these principles. If people have no contact with each other, fail to work together, are unaware or disrespectful of each other’s values and traditions, then tolerance, dialogue and co-operation will probably remain dead letters.

We favour a genuine dialogue between cultures and civilisations, between majority and minorities. It is the diversity of identities that gives them their strength and their richness, both in Romania and in Europe. This is why we have such high regard for the Council of Europe’s efforts to create a culture of combined efforts to combat racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance.

Following the changes in our country since it joined the Council of Europe, and in the light of the commitments entered into by Romania on its accession, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe decided in April 1997 to halt the monitoring process. This is a gesture that we appreciated, and we continue to take firm action to meet our obligations.

In short, in the nine years of its membership of the Council of Europe, Romania has made substantial progress in strengthening its democracy, the rule of law, its civil society and its national and social cohesion, and greater responsibility to their community and to the future of Romania and of Europe is now being borne by its citizens.

The most precious achievement of these years, also thanks to the energetic action of the Council of Europe, has been the emergence of the elements which go to make up a European identity, one naturally complementing Romanians’ national identity. The citizens of Romania are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the idea of a united Europe, which they regard as a plan for the future which deserves to be supported and promoted.

The Council of Europe is one of Europe’s most open organisations, one of which the member states acknowledge and uphold values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law and the market economy. This is vital to the building of an institution that exists to unite our continent.

The process by which Europe is being built depends on both the solidarity of the participating countries and the efforts of each to promote and defend common values and interests and to ensure the peace and stability of the continent.

Every country is called upon to demonstrate its capacity to contribute to the stability of its region. In this context, Romania has constantly striven to safeguard social peace and internal stability and to contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflicts that have broken out nearby.

The good relations which Romania has traditionally enjoyed with its neighbours have enabled us to play a role as a provider of security.

History and the geopolitical context have given rise to numerous conflicts in the region. Romania seeks to address this kind of problem from the perspective of international law, while always thinking of the future, something that has proven to be a sensible and effective approach.

We have concluded fundamental political treaties with some of our neighbours – including Hungary and Ukraine – where we have included a whole series of provisions consistent with Council of Europe standards relating to minorities. This has enabled us to settle a number of sensitive issues, such as those arising from the provisions of the Hungarian law on the status of Magyars living outside Hungary, for example.

We have overcome the various obstacles to the signing of the Basic Treaty with the Russian Federation, which is due to take place in the near future, in Moscow. We have helped introduce zonal, sub-zonal and regional co-operation mechanisms encompassing all our neighbours, and which serve to build and strengthen mutual trust.

Since the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly is going to be holding a debate this week on developments in the Republic of Moldova, I would like to say a few words on the subject.

Romania and the Republic of Moldova have strong ties on account of their history, ethnic make-up, language, values and traditions. This does not mean that we have any territorial claims, or any intention of meddling in the internal affairs of this sovereign state, which Romania was the first to recognise and which we have supported in its efforts to join European and international bodies. Our common language and ethnic identity, however, are realities which no-one can dispute.

The fact nevertheless remains that in Moldova today, human rights and fundamental freedoms are being flouted, and the country has strayed from the path to democracy and the rule of law. These concerns are also shared by other member states of the Council of Europe.

We are firmly resolved to honour our commitments towards the Republic of Moldova and to develop a special relationship with this country in areas such as the economy, education, culture, health care and preservation of our common heritage. We will continue our dialogue with the Chisinau authorities, a dialogue based on mutual respect, and we will support any initiatives that might lead to a negotiated settlement of the crisis inside Moldova.

Romania believes that it is the responsibility of the political leaders in Chisinau to find – together with representatives of civil society and with the assistance of the Council of Europe – peaceful, democratic procedures that will provide the country with a way out of the serious crisis in which it currently finds itself.

I must point out, though, that, given the correct and friendly position adopted by Romania towards the Republic of Moldova in the years that it has been independent, we were dismayed by the accusations made by the Moldovan authorities, here in this very Assembly. We consider these accusations to be unfair and unwarranted, and believe that they are contrary to the spirit of good neighbourliness and mutual respect. We hope that the debate on the situation in Moldova will encourage the country’s political forces to find solutions that will bring about a return to democratic normality.

Mr President,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Romania wishes to make an active contribution to stability in Europe, both through its activities in the Council of Europe and through its integration into the European Union and NATO. We have demonstrated our ability to handle complex responsibilities, thanks to the success of the Romanian chairmanship of the OSCE in 2001 and thanks also to the action which we took, together with other states, in the wake of September 11^th, and which may be regarded as the action of a de facto member of NATO.

A key element in Romania’s contribution to the success of the Single Europe project has been our effort to reform the economy and modernise the state and its institutions, to introduce the acquis communautaire and meet the criteria for membership of NATO and the European Union.

Even though the Romanian economy has not yet regained its 1989 level, in the past year it has nevertheless made significant progress towards renewed growth, which we are keen to sustain in the long term. This will allow us to step up the fight against poverty, social exclusion and unemployment, which are the main challenges facing us at present and the focus of our efforts. The pace of economic reform and privatisation has been increased, in a climate of legislative stability and transparency. Particular attention is being given to the fight against corruption and bureaucracy, organised crime, arms and drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

The proposed European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Romania is a key factor in changing our economic and social structures and national policies. By playing an active part in the proceedings of the Convention on the future of Europe, Romania is contributing to the emergence of a blueprint for the future in which the Council of Europe will have a special place, in view of its role as a repository of shared democratic values, and a forum for discussion on the future development of democratic systems, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The tragic events of European history in the 20^th century demonstrated the full importance of the shared values on which modern-day Europe is based, in improving the human condition and ensuring human dignity and peaceful co-existence.

Europe can and must serve as an example of solidarity and co-operation for the benefit of all nations worldwide. Globalisation requires us to reconsider our priorities and to base our action on firm principles and values, and a general recognition that any action which does not respect these principles and values is bound to lead to suffering and humiliation.

The narrowing of the gap between rich and poor – a gap that is tending to widen rather than diminish under the influence of new information technologies and the information society – must become the key objective of all states and international institutions. This is the main requirement for strengthening global stability. Europe can provide just such a model – a European social model based on the principles of the social market economy – which includes the necessary levers both for sustainable economic growth, for the benefit of everyone, and for a reduction in social polarisation and marginalisation.

Romania is profoundly interested in promoting such a strategy – at European and world level – and sees in this an opportunity to channel its efforts into overcoming underdevelopment and becoming a fully-fledged member of the European community.

I will leave you with these thoughts, while thanking you for your attention and for the support which you have given Romania.