26/02/2013 President
Strasbourg, 26.02.2013 – "Romania's political crisis of July 2012 is long behind it and acceptance of political cohabitation reflects the country's democratic maturity," said PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon today when concluding an official two-day visit to Bucharest.
"Tensions remain and problems persist, for example in the fight against corruption, but considerable progress has been achieved," said Mr Mignon. "I am convinced that Romania is destined to play a more important role in Europe in the future."
"I wish to emphasise the pivotal role played by the Romanian authorities in regional stability, at a time of uncertainty over what will happen with the Republic of Moldova," added Mr Mignon, who also welcomed the commitment of the Chair of the Romanian delegation to PACE, to "a Europe of values". Mr Mignon confirmed that the Prime Minister would come to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe at the next part-session in April.
During his visit, the President of PACE held high-level meetings with the President of the Republic, the Speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, the Prime Minister and also the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice. He also held talks with the heads of parliamentary groups of the government coalition and opposition leaders, and delivered a combined address to the two chambers of the Romanian Parliament.