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----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 11:49 PM
Subject: [romania-economics] news Romania EU entry target seen safe
despite elections By Antonia Oprita BUCHAREST, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Romania's twin presidential and parliamentary elections later this month may briefly interrupt but not derail preparations by the Balkan country to join the European Union in 2007, analysts say. The ruling Social Democrats (PSD) say their chief EU negotiator Vasile Puscas is working day and night to conclude membership talks with the EU before the November 28 polls. Even if he succeeds, it will have only a symbolic meaning because the real challenge faced by whoever forms the next government will be to implement several major reforms required before EU entry, analysts say. They say the opposition centre-right alliance (PNL-PD) may be better suited for the task even though they will need a transition period at first to learn the complex EU business. "The PNL-PD (reform) agenda is more transparent and genuine," Sorin Ionita from the independent Academic Society (SAR) think-tank said. "The PSD can promise one thing in Brussels and do quite another at home." The two rival groups are running neck-and-neck ahead of the poll, with surveys showing the PSD's failure to curb rampant corruption has become the central issue for many Romanians. The EU and independent analysts say the PSD, a party of former communists, have dragged their feet with some key EU-linked reforms, mainly in the areas of justice, competition and environment protection. Failing to close negotiations in these so-called "chapters" put Romania behind neighbour Bulgaria in EU entry preparations. The two countries form the EU's second eastward expansion after 10 new mostly ex-communist members joined in May. MEDIA FREEDOM The EU has criticised the current government for not tackling graft and showing little vigour in dismantling a web of links between politicians, the judiciary and business. Many of the ruling PSD double up as the country's business elite. Anti-graft watchdogs say newly-adopted legislation to prevent conflict of interest still does not prevent politicians from parking their commercial interests with friends or family. The EU has also expressed concern about media freedom in Romania after a spate of incidents in which newspapers and journalists critical of the government had been muzzled. The PSD hope that the booming economy and progress it has made on the way to the EU will convince voters they should be trusted with another term in power. "Our party is ready to continue taking responsibility...to maintain positive economic and social development and to close Romania's EU entry talks for the benefit of our citizens," Prime Minister Adrian Nastase said recently. Analysts acknowledge Nastase's government has become expert in EU affairs. But they also say a new hand on the helm, unburdened by suspicions of corruption, will be better placed to push ahead with reforms. (Additional reporting by Dina Kyriakidou) 11/10/04 12:55 ET EuroAtlantic Club: http://www.europe.org.ro/euroatlantic_club/ *** Birou de traduceri autorizate. Oana Gheorghiu - tel/fax: 252.8681 / [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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