Romanian parties form coalition to defend the country's European path

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis convened the country's new parliament on December 20. The parliamentary elections, which were held on December 1, were won by the ruling Social Democrats. However, they do not have a majority, even if they renew their coalition with previous partners from the National Liberal Party and the Union of Hungarians, the Bulgarian National Radio special envoy for the elections in Romania, Lachezar Valev has reported. Due to the high result of the nationalist parties at the parliamentary elections and the presidential vote, which was later annulled, the idea of forming a pro-European majority was born. The Social Democrats (PSD), the Liberals (PNL), the USR Alliance and the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) are joining forces. The goal is to isolate the far-right forces from power. The politicians also agreed to support a possible common pro-European candidate for the presidential elections, which are likely to be held in February or March.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discusses the situation in Syria with Erdogan

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Ankara on December 12 for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other political figures. The main purpose of his visit is to discuss the situation in Syria after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad by rebel groups, Turkish media reported. Blinken has called on Turkey to protect the civilian population in Syria. Blinken pointed out the need for the coalition created to defeat the "Islamic State", which also includes the Kurdish minority, to continue fulfilling its mission. "We should not seek revenge, it is time to unite and rebuild the country," the Turkish foreign minister announced shortly after Assad's escape, adding: "Millions of Syrians who reside in our country can now return to their homeland." Meanwhile, Turkish media reported that Turkish border crossings along the 900-kilometer border with Syria have seen an influx of Syrian refugees wishing to return to their homeland. Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that a total of 1,247,432 Syrians reside in the country under temporary protection. He added that a mobile system for controlling the identity and data of passengers has been installed at customs and that people with unpaid taxes and fines will not be allowed to leave the country.

Greece freezes processing of asylum applications from Syrians

Greece, like other European countries, is temporarily suspending the acceptance of asylum applications from Syrian citizens. An official decision is expected to be adopted at an extraordinary meeting of the National Defence Council. The Ministry of Migration reports that they are receiving applications from Syrian citizens who want to return. They wish to receive funding under the European program for voluntary departure from a European country. According to official data, about 12,000 Syrians live in Greece. Some of them are staying in refugee camps, BNR correspondent Katya Peeva reported.

Cyprus to cooperate with UK in the fight against illegal Russian money flows

UK and Cyprus will cooperate in the fight against organized crime and illegal Russian money flows. This became clear after the visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Nicosia and his meeting with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, BTA reported. UK will share expert experience and intelligence information with Cyprus to help for more effective implementation of sanctions against Russia. Cyprus, once a favourite destination for Russian oligarchs to keep their money, has frozen £1.5bn worth of Russian assets since the invasion of Ukraine. In July, it also joined the UK-led Shadow Fleet initiative, which is trying to stop vessels used by Russia to circumvent sanctions in the oil trade. Starmer said UK and Cyprus were working together to stop the flow of illicit financial flows through Europe, to starve Russian President Putin of resources and to protect global stability.

Compiled by Miglena Ivanova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: Reuters, rescue.org