Embassy Press Release

U.S. AMBASSADOR AND PROSECUTOR-GENERAL DISCUSS BILATERAL COOPERATION

November 7, 2007

U.S. Ambassador to Romania Nicholas F. Taubman met with Prosecutor-General Laura Kovesi on November 7, at the Ambassador’s request.

The two officials reviewed the significant gains Romania has made in recent years in providing a basis for prosecutors to independently investigate complex crimes such as trafficking in persons, cyber crime and high-level corruption. The U.S. Embassy has supported prosecutors’ efforts with training in modern investigative techniques, study tours, equipment donations, and other forms of law enforcement cooperation. The Ambassador stressed the need to safeguard the progress made in these areas. The U.S. remains ready to assist Romania in its efforts to combat corruption and organized crime more effectively.

The Ambassador and the Prosecutor-General also discussed the impact that the recent amendments by the Chamber of Deputies to the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code could have on the conduct of investigations and the ability of prosecutors to effectively try cases in court. It was noteworthy, the two agreed, that many recent investigations by Romanian authorities have relied upon investigative tools and techniques that are widely used in the United States and elsewhere in Europe. The Ambassador observed that a broad spectrum of Romanian and international experts and observers have expressed concern that the proposed amendments, if enacted in law, would represent a setback in Romania’s efforts to fight many types of serious crime and corruption.

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