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| 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.
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| 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.
