U.S. CONGRATULATES PEOPLE OF ROMANIA ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
Romania's National Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 28, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate all Romanians as you celebrate your Unification Day on December 1.

Ninety-six years ago, the people of Romania created a democracy that guaranteed equality for all nationalities and religions and protected the freedoms of press, association, and speech. We pay tribute to those visionary leaders and applaud all those who continue to defend those fundamental rights and strengthen your democracy, rule of law, and national diversity.

The United States is grateful for Romania’s strong partnership on regional and global security challenges. As NATO allies, our soldiers serve side-by-side in Afghanistan. They carry out joint military training exercises. And they collaborate at military bases in your country like Deveselu and Mihail Kogalniceanu.

As you celebrate with family and friends, I look forward to building on our strategic partnership for many years to come.

ROMANIA'S NATIONAL DAY

Map:  Romania.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
On the Occasion of Romania's National Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 30, 2012


On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to all Romanians as you celebrate your Unification Day this December 1st.

This is a reminder of the important contributions your country continues to make toward peace and prosperity around the world. Your support for NATO and other international organizations have helped to advance the ideals of freedom and democracy. Together, we are working in the Balkans and Afghanistan to give millions of people hope for a brighter future.

The United States looks forward to continuing our partnership for many years and is grateful to have a strong friend and ally in Romania.

　

Romania Locator Map.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook. 

ADDITONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they were de facto linked in 1859 and formally united in 1862 under the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.