News review of the day – Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

President Klaus Iohannis starts today an official visit to Ukraine

President Klaus Iohannis starts today an official visit to Ukraine, focused on developments in the region after the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by the Russian Federation and the the conflict in the eastern part of this country. Romanian President strongly condemns the deteriorating security situation and supports the progressive implementation of the agreed measures in Minsk. Meanwhile, the Parliament in Kiev prepares to vote, this week, laws which grant more autonomy to Ukraine’s pro-Russian eastern rebel teritory, in line with the recent Peace Agreement. (RADIO ROMANIA reports).

The North Atlantic Alliance carries on a large naval exercise in the Black Sea

The North Atlantic Alliance carries on a large naval exercise in the Black Sea, event at which Romania is also present. In total, over 1.700 soldiers were mobilized to simulate different situations of conflict. The six ships of the group, four frigates, a cruiser and an auxiliary vessel, carry on anti-submarine and against enemy ships actions, exercises to reject attacks launched by enemy ships and boats and communication exercises. NATO’s naval exercise ends this afternoon, when the ships will leave the Black Sea. A second military exercise takes place in the Romanian airspace, at Campia Turzii, with the participation of Romanian and American soldiers. (RADIO ROMANIA reports)

The first electric bus in Bucharest entered in trials

Starting today, the first electric bus in Bucharest entered in trials and city residents will be able to travel with it for free for two weeks. The checks will focus, in particular, on its autonomy, while the traffic in Bucharest is more crowded than in other capitals where such a bus was also introduced. Beside this bus which is produced in the Czech Republic, the Bucharest Autonomous Transport Company will test other two buses made in China, the City Hall looking for solutions to eliminate air pollution in the central area of Bucharest. (RADIO ROMANIA reports)