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Financial Times Press war clouds Romania's Nato overtures By Phelim McAleer in Bucharest Published: June 24 2002 5:00 -The real turning point, came after the September 11 attacks, which spurred the US into wider coalition building. Romania's helpful attitude over airspace and overflying rights led to Nato officials telling the government that its membership application was likely to be accepted. -In addition Romania has peacekeeping troops in the Balkans and, more significantly, has just dispatched 400 men to Afghanistan. Officials regard such deployments as an acceptance that the Romanian military is compatible with Nato forces - and by extension should be invited to join the alliance at the summit in Prague. This should have been a triumphant six months for Ioan Pascu, the Romanian defence minister, as he appeared to be finally steering the country towards Nato membership. However, this optimism has been tempered by recent legislation and statements that have led to questions about Romania's commitment to press freedom and democratic values. Ironically 18 months ago, when Mr Pascu's former communist PSD party took power, Nato membership seemed little more than a fantasy for the country, with its antiquated and overmanned armed forces. However, under the new administration led by Prime Minister Adrian Nastase Romania and Mr Pascu, its armed forces have made remarkable progress. The real turning point, came after the September 11 attacks, which spurred the US into wider coalition building. Romania's helpful attitude over airspace and overflying rights led to Nato officials telling the government that its membership application was likely to be accepted. Some western officials, though, still have lingering doubts about corruption and the Romanian government's authoritarian tendencies. The Romanian authorities hit back by saying corruption was a problem in many Nato countries. However, it was Mr Pascu's response to what he saw as constant sniping by the press which provided the biggest roadblock towards Nato acceptance. After dismissing claims that former secret police agents in the armed forces were a worry to Nato, he issued a terse warning to journalists, "reminding them [journalists] their life is short and health is too precious an asset to be endangered through starting debates that consume a lot of emotion and stress". The remarks, which looked like a threat, provoked outrage in Romania and eventually led to Mr Pascu apologising - claiming it was a joke that had been misinterpreted. The US embassy has denied local press reports that they privately urged for Mr Pascu's resignation. But many in the government are angry that his comments have detracted from Romania's progress. Mr Pascu's war on the press appears to be continuing after a bill he introduced to parliament will force newspapers to publish an equally prominent right of reply on demand by those who feel they have been wronged by a press article. The bill, which has been passed by parliament, has been has been condemned by civil liberties groups. The escalation in the battle between Mr Pascu's and journalists worries many in the country, who fear that it may over-shadow the real achievements of his defence ministry. The army has been cut to less than half its 1989 peak of 230,000 - an accomplishment hailed by diplomats and analysts. In addition Romania has peacekeeping troops in the Balkans and, more significantly, has just dispatched 400 men to Afghanistan. Officials regard such deployments as an acceptance that the Romanian military is compatible with Nato forces - and by extension should be invited to join the alliance at the summit in Prague. George Maior, Romania's state secretary, puts the country's progress down to government policy. "It is a question of changing mentalities and then changing institutions, making them understand that professional virtues are needed." http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1024578170249&p=1012571727166 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bacIlu Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
