AGERPRES is the national news agency of Romania, founded in Bucharest on March 27th, 1889. It is one of the oldest press agencies in the Balkans.

AGERPRES is headquartered at Piaþa Presei Libere, Bucureºti.

Romanian aeronautical companies to be merged?

Bucharest, Romania - Rumours have spread throughout Romania that the three largest aeronautical companies, Avioane Craiova, IAR Brasov and Aerostar are to be merged to form a single company - "Romanian Aircraft Corporation".

The Romanian Aircraft Corporation, should it be formed, will be one of the biggest Eastern European aircraft corporations producing a wide range of aircraft, but specialising mostly in light military aircraft.

It is also presumed that, should the Corporation be formed, the IAR-95 fighter aircraft project would be restarted in some capacity, or a foreign aircraft project would be joined.

The Government of Romania and especially the Ministry of National Defense have supported the project, claiming that it would revive the Romanian aeronautical industry.

Preparations for the Presidential Elections Underway


President Traian Basiscu's term of office ends on December 21, 2014

Bucharest, Romania - With the Presidential elections to be held this year, informal party preparations have begun in early March, with various candidates traveling around the country, holding party rallies, trying to garner support to be named the official party candidate.

Currently, the only official party candidate is Crin Antonescu, candidate of the National Liberal Party (PNL). Mr Antonescu has been also named by political pundits as the future President of Romania, due to his rising popularity - it is estimated that around 45% of the Romanian population support him.

It is believed that the most serious opponent of Mr. Antonescu will be Mircea Geoana of the Social Democratic Party, who ran against President Basescu in 2009 and gathered 49.7% of votes.

Current President, Traian Basescu, is barred from running for the third mandate by the Constitution, however he has expressed his support for Mr. Antonescu, saying that "a strong centre-right politician is what Romania needs in these difficult times."

Romanian Aircraft Corporation Officially Formed

Bucharest, Romania - A joint announcement by the representatives of the three Romanian aeronautical companies has confirmed that Avioane Craiova, IAR Brasov and Aerostar have reached an agreement and that these companies are to merge in early April.

The Headquarters of the new company, Romanian Aircraft Corporation, is to be in Bucharest, in a building which will be specially built for the company.

The company will also be listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange at the starting price of RON 50.

Romanian Government Condemns the Violence in Chad


Foreign Minister Diaconescu, speaking to the gathered press

Bucharest, Romania - The Romanian Government and the Office of the President of Romania have issued a joint statement, condemning the violence in Chad and stating that Romania will not recognise the self-proclaimed "Kingdom of Kanem".

"The legitimate and democratically elected Government of Chad has our full support.", said FA Minister Cristian Diaconescu, a stance shared with other ministers and President Basescu, who himself stated that "Romania will not recognise this self-proclaimed Monarchy as the legitimate representatives of the people of Chad in a million years."

It is yet to be seen whether Romania will send additional forces to Chad. 120 Romanian soldiers are already present in that country as part of the EUFOR Chad/CAR mission.

Romania To Increase It's Presence in Foreign Missions


Defense Minister Gabriel Oprea, announcing potential expansion of Romanian deployments

Bucharest, Romania - Minister of National Defense Gabriel Oprea has stated today that Romania may expand it's participation in ISAF, EUFOR Althea and KFOR missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo, respectively.

"Romania, as a major participant in NATO and an important player on the Balkans, wishes to show it's dedication to peace and stability in these regions.", stated Oprea, claiming that deployments are to be increased by at least 500 soldiers. 100 of these would be deployed to Bosnia, 150 to Kosovo and 250 to Afghanistan. However, Oprea stated that these plans are not final and that the deployments could be even furtherly increased.

New Candidates for the Presidential Elections

Bucharest, Romania - The race for the presidential spot is getting more and more interesting every day as the political parties began to choose their official candidates for the Presidential elections, to be held in late November 2014.

Mircea Geoana was officially confirmed as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party. Geoana, who lost the 2009 elections to the incumbent President Basescu by only 0.3%, has stated in his speech that the Social Democratic Party must aim for nothing less than a victory at the elections.

"We almost did it in 2009, and we can do it now!", said Geoana before a crowd of 10,000 supporters of the SDP in Bucharest. Currently, Mr. Geoana holds around 35% support of the electorate.

Marian Sarbu has been confirmed as the candidate of the National Union for the Progress of Romania. Currently, he enjoys 10% support from the electorate.

Corneliu Vadim Tudor, the leader of the Greater Romania Party, has once again been named the official candidate of that party. He has stated that, should he be elected, he would follow the programme of his party - including immediate unification with Moldova, using any means necessary. Mr. Tudor, who is a controversial person in Romania, currently holds around 3% support among the electorate.

There are various other candidates of other parties, however most political pundits agree that other than Antonescu, Geoana and potentially Sarbu, there are no serious competitors for the spot. However, all agree that these elections will be equally as interesting as those of 2009.

Stay tuned for more news!