Embassy Press Release

Ambassador Visits Women's Shelter in Pitesti

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U.S. Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman paid a visit to the Pitesti area on Monday, October 16. The Ambassador's first stop was at the "Reaching Out" shelter for trafficked women. The NGO "Reaching Out" was founded in 1998 by Iana Matei, who is its current coordinator. Ms. Matei was praised as a "TIP Hero” in the latest U.S. State Department report on trafficking in persons (TIP). ( See http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2006/67020.htm ) The shelter provides a temporary home for girls and women who have escaped traffickers in persons, both in Romania and abroad. Currently the home shelters 13 residents in their teens, all of whom attend school locally and who are responsible for the upkeep of the shelter. Ambassador Taubman had lunch with the residents and heard some of them relate their experiences at the hands of traffickers.

Later the Ambassador had the chance to visit the Dacia automotive plant in Mioveni, north of Pitesti, where he was able to observe the stamping plant and assembly line in action. Ambassador Taubman was interested in learning more about the automotive industry in Romania with a view towards exploring possibilities for American investment and trade.

Afterwards Ambassador Taubman was received at the Pitesti City Hall by Mayor Tudor Pendiuc and Arges County Council President Constatine Nicolescu. The three officials held a meeting where they discussed the potential for investment in Pitesti and Arges County, in addition to other topics. At a press conference after the meeting Ambassador Taubman noted that "Romania has made substantial progress in attracting successful investors. I am committed to working closely with Romania to add to these successes. Romania today is a place where opportunity is finally catching up with talent."

At the press conference the Ambassador presented Iana Matei, founder and coordinator of the "Reaching Out" NGO, with a letter of recognition for her "efforts in providing support to the victims of Human Trafficking." He praised her efforts to "put an end to this form of modern-day slavery."

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