ROMANi ONLiNE UK - Stiri Cel mai popular loc virtual de intalnire al romanilor din Marea Britanie! Stiri, forum, live chat, romani celebri in UK, calendar al evenimentelor din comunitatea romaneasca si multe altele! http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:51:46 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb Ofsted's new mission - to get rid of boring teachers http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Ofsted-s-new-mission-to-get-rid-of-boring-teachers 05.01.2009

Ofted  is to launch a crackdown on "boring" teaching in response to concerns that children's behaviour is deteriorating because they are not being stimulated enough in class.

Inspectors will be told to give more finely tuned advice to struggling schools on what is going wrong in their lessons and why pupils are not paying attention, the chief inspector of schools, Christine Gilbert, said.

She told the Guardian the changes in the inspections would amount to a "crackdown" on boring teaching. "I think that it should do that. When I was a [local authority] director of education I wanted to know if there was a link between boredom and achievement. We did a piece of work on it and there was strong evidence that a lot of it was boredom."

Teaching unions said the chief inspector was unfairly portraying the profession.

The inspectorate's latest annual report, published in November, warned of "pedestrian" teaching in primary schools, and said pupils in secondary schools were too often set tasks that are not demanding enough of them. "The result is their loss of interest, their slow progress and, often, deteriorating behaviour," it said. Some teachers fail to inspire pupils by relying on textbooks and endlessly preparing for tests, the document warns.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:41:27 +0000 Recession could last two years, says Brown as Cameron admits he would like to 'shake' him over failed measures to solve crisis http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Recession-could-last-two-years-says-Brown-as-Cameron-admits-he-would-like-to-shake-him-over-failed-measures-to-solve-crisis 05.01.2009

Gordon Brown has admitted that Britain could be facing a two-year recession as he effectively ruled out a General Election in 2009.

The Prime Minister said the downturn could be longer and deeper than forecast if other countries failed to take measures to stimulate the global economy.

Despite mounting speculation that senior colleagues want him to call an election this year, before the recession takes its full effect, Mr Brown said yesterday that was the 'furthest thing from my mind'.
His comments on the economy prompted David Cameron to say today he sometimes felt like ‘shaking’ the PM over the way he is dealing with the recession.

The Tory leader urged Mr Brown to ‘get with the programme’ and admit that Government plans for tackling the crisis were not working.

Mr Cameron told his rival: 'Look, what don't you get - it's a credit crunch, that's what needs to be addressed.’

He added:‘I feel like shaking the Prime Minister sometimes'.

He also told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the Government's plan to cut VAT by 2.5 per cent had been a ‘waste of time’.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:40:06 +0000 The Asda blood test: Beat hospital queues... get your health checked while you shop for groceries http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/The-Asda-blood-test-Beat-hospital-queues...-get-your-health-checked-while-you-shop-for-groceries 05.01.2009

Patients are being offered blood tests at a supermarket in a bid to cut hospital waiting times.

The in-store clinic, funded by the Health Service, will carry out checks for a wide range of illnesses.

About 30 patients attend each session of the clinic at an Asda outlet in West Bromwich.

They need only bring a referral form from their doctor.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust launched the scheme to help process its 38,000 blood tests a month.

Sukvinder Atkar, of the trust, said: 'The Americans have been offering this kind of service for about five years and it has proved very popular.

'It was a natural step forward for us to expand our service and provide a greater choice of location for patients who don't wish to come into hospital, find a parking space and then have to queue for what is such a quick procedure.

'Already we have seen a wide range of patients who visit us before they buy their groceries and the feedback is very positive.

'We have a blood collection service which operates three times a day, taking the blood back to the lab for immediate testing and results are returned to patients' GPs very quickly.'
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:38:52 +0000 Britons flee London to be replaced by immigrants http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Britons-flee-London-to-be-replaced-by-immigrants 05.04.2009

The figures underline the huge flux within the population from not just international migration, but also British people moving around the country.

According to the Halifax, the country's largest mortgage lender who closely monitors house ownership, 345,000 more British people left London than moved to the capital between 1998 and 2007.

It is the only area in Britain that has suffered from a loss of population due to internal migration, suggesting its character is swiftly changing.

However, this net loss from internal migration was more than offset by 1.8 million international migrants who arrived in the city during this period – many eastern Europeans willing to undertake low-paid work.

John Philpott, the chief economist at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said: "One in three workers in London is an overseas worker. Many indigenous people just do not want to do jobs such as cleaning and can not afford the high property prices so move to the suburbs to bring up their families."

The figures bring into question the Home Office's promise to keep the overall population below 70 million.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:33:51 +0000 Gordon Brown’s ‘bluff’on migrant permits http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Gordon-Browns-bluffon-migrant-permits 05.01.2009

THE Labour MP Frank Field has accused ministers of staging a “gigantic bluff” over new laws to curb the growing numbers of migrants entering Britain.

Field said Gordon Brown’s much-trumpeted controls on work permits for overseas workers would entirely fail to defuse the UK’s “population time bomb”.

The former Labour welfare minister dismissed claims by the home secretary, Jacqui Smith, that a points system would keep the population below 70m.

“We cannot afford to let our population grow at the extraordinary pace now officially forecast. The pressures on our public services and communities would be too great to bear,” Field said.  “This time bomb must be defused, and that requires radical action now. Government claims that they are taking effective action are no more than a gigantic bluff.”
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:22:27 +0000 On immigration, Europe can learn much from the US http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/On-immigration-Europe-can-learn-much-from-the-US 05.01.2009

As the United States prepares to celebrate the inauguration of its first African-American president, it showcases again one of the best aspects of its national identity. Though it took more than 200 years to reach this point, foreign observers, especially in Europe, marvel at Barack Obama's ascendancy. They recognize from their own relative marginalization of people of color or of immigrants that no French, German, Italian, or British Obama is on the horizon, and they wonder, how does America do it?

America certainly has its flaws and its struggles over race and national identity, but it also has much to be proud of in terms of how it assimilates those with foreign or minority backgrounds. Obama's example - and that of his newly formed cabinet, which includes many accomplished leaders from ethnic or racial "out-groups" - holds useful lessons for other nations, particularly in Western Europe.

So what is it that America is doing right?

First, America's national story is different in essence from those of Western European nations. The French story is that of French-ness, the British story one of British-ness; by definition, newcomers are "less than" or "outside of" this narrative. But the American national drama is the drama of immigration: everyone, except Native Americans, came from somewhere else. All who are now part of the national elite have ancestors who came, often bedraggled and harassed, from somewhere else.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:21:03 +0000 Britain 'must set population limit to safeguard national security' say experts http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Britain-must-set-population-limit-to-safeguard-national-security-say-experts 05.01.2009

Britain must set a maximum population level if it is to avoid destroying the environment and putting national security at risk, say experts.

The Optimum Population Trust has written to ministers calling for a policy of 'zero net migration' - matching numbers allowed into Britain each year to numbers leaving.

The UK's population is projected to increase from 60 to 70million over the next 20 years, and to 85million by 2081.  The trust, a panel of academics and environmentalists, says achieving zero net migration would cut Britain's population in 2081 to 57million.

Mass immigration 'feeds through into rising greenhouse gas emissions' and more congestion, the experts say.

The trust warns that because Britain can produce only 30 per cent of the food, energy and other goods that it needs, it will become increasingly vulnerable to 'resource nationalism' as foreign powers hoard their own scarce resources.

'This imperils future national security as well as destroying the environment,' it says.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:19:51 +0000 Downsizing deals - Romania may cut hundreds of jobs in 2009 http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Downsizing-deals-Romania-may-cut-hundreds-of-jobs-in-2009 05.01.2009

According to the Money Channel, many companies have announced lay offs because of the financial crisis, the worst affected being companies operating in constructions, automotive component and in the textile industries. Many Romanian companies are forecasting bad results in 2008 and are considering either lay offs or a cap on wages.

A survey performed by a management consultancy shows that half of the company owners will lay off people next year. In Arges County, the employees of Dacia Renault will be affected. For the time being, Dacia workers are on technical unemployment and get 85% of their regular salaries. The situation is more serious in Olt County, at the largest aluminum producer in Central and Eastern Europe Alro Slatina, where over a third of the workers might be made redundant before the spring because the plant will cut production by 50%.

Other 20,000 employees of various Alro suppliers may also become jobless. The crisis is getting deeper at Arcelor Mittal steel mill in Galati, too, where 1,000 workers may also be left without a job. They will receive between ROL 16,000 and ROL 20,000 in compensation. Bechtel may also resort to lay offs if it does not recover the tens of millions of Euro the National Roads and Motorways Company owes them. Almost 2,300 people may become jobless in such a case.
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:17:39 +0000 Grecia, Spania si Danemarca au ridicat restrictiile pe piata muncii pentru romani si bulgari http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Grecia-Spania-si-Danemarca-au-ridicat-restrictiile-pe-piata-muncii-pentru-romani-si-bulgari 05.01.2009

Trei state membre ale UE - Grecia, Spania si Danemarca - si-au deschis piata fortei de munca in fata cetatenilor romani si bulgari, odata cu intrarea in noul an, informeaza vineri euobserver.com. Conform datelor statistice, cetatenii bulgari manifesta un interes mai mare pentru angajarea in munca in Grecia, in timp ce romanii prefera sa lucreze in Spania.

Totusi, majoritatea statelor membre cu vechime in UE si-a pastrat temporar sistemul permisului de munca fata de Romania si Bulgaria, care au aderat la Uniune in 2007.

Acum insa, situatia a fost reevaluata, iar Atena, Madridul si Copenhaga au decis in favoarea ridicarii acestei restrictii. Motivand recentele probleme economice din regiunea estica, Marea Britanie, Irlanda, Germania, Austria, Luxemburg, Olanda si Belgia au anuntat oficial prelungirea restrictiilor cu trei ani.

In privinta tarilor care au devenit membre UE in 2004, intre care si Ungaria, exista de asemenea restrictii referitoare la angajarea in munca, insa in cazul acestora cercul statelor membre cu vechime in UE este cu mult mai restrans.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:04:31 +0000 Romanii au ales sa isi petreaca Revelionul in tara. Turismul in Romania si plecarile in strainatate vor fi afectate de criza in 2009 http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Romanii-au-ales-sa-isi-petreaca-Revelionul-in-tara.-Turismul-in-Romania-si-plecarile-in-strainatate-vor-fi-afectate-de-criza-in-2009 29.12.2008

Circa 104.000 turisti au ales sa isi petreaca Revelionul 2008/2009 in tara, in scadere cu 23% fata de anul trecut si numai 13.000 in strainatate (in scadere cu 38% fata de anul trecut), pe fondul crizei economice, potrivit unui comunicat emis de Federatia Patronatelor din Turism.

"Turistii romani au incercat sa uite de criza economica si, ca atare, in acest an, de Revelion, multi au preferat sa-si petreaca Sarbatorile de Iarna intr-un hotel sau o pensiune din tara sau o locatie din strainatate. Cele mai solicitate statiuni din tara noastra au fost cele de pe Valea Prahovei, unde gradul de ocupare se estimeaza ca va ajunge la 98%", potrivit comunicatului Federatiei Patronatelor din Turismul Romanesc, citat de NewsIn. Astfel, in ceea ce priveste preferintele romanilor centralizate de FPTR, turismul intern de Revelion arata ca 104.000 persoane (in scadere cu 23% fata de cei 135.000 turisti de anul trecut) au cheltuit 142,6 milioane lei (in scadere cu 7% fata de anul trecut).

Oferta de locuri de cazare este in continuare mult depasita de cerere, iar situatia este aparent paradoxala: tarifele de pe Valea Prahovei si din Poiana Brasov s-au majorat fata de anul trecut si cu toate acestea, hotelurile si pensiunile vor fi pline de Anul Nou. Acest aspect se justifica prin faptul ca totalul locurilor de cazare disponibile in aceasta zona in hoteluri nu trece de 30.000, in vreme ce numai Capitala are sute de mii de potentiali clienti, de aceea este normal ca, pentru aceasta perioada, sa fie o cerere foarte mare, mai informeaza federatia patronala.
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:15:04 +0000 Romania dodges toxic financial instruments, cannot escape global economic crisis http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Romania-dodges-toxic-financial-instruments-cannot-escape-global-economic-crisis 29.12.2008

Romanian companies announced massive dismissals, production cuts and less investments this year and especially at the beginning of 2009, following drop in demand on the effects of the global financial crisis.

The lack of toxic financial instruments on the local market, like high risk mortgage loans, made people hope Romania will not be affected by the economic crisis which started in the United States last summer.

But as the lending crisis expanded in all large financial centers worldwide, the trust between banks vanished because they did not know the economic status of the competitors and were afraid to lend money, as it was possible not to get it back.

Exporters received the hardest kick as demand and financing in the European Union and United States, Romania’s main business partners, began falling once the crisis grew.

The most affected fields are the car industry, the processing industry, the textile industry, constructions and wood industry.

Around 100,000 and 400,000 people will be fired or sent home in technical unemployment according to analysts. As many as 100,000-300,000 employees will be dismissed from producing for export, said Mihai Ionescu, the head of the National Association of Exporters and Importers (ANEIR).
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:13:32 +0000 New immigration system 'won't work', experts warn http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/New-immigration-system-won-t-work-experts-warn 29.12.2008

The new policy will only reduce population growth by 2.5 per cent, according to a report by the House of Commons library, an independent research facility for MPs.

It says the new system will only reduce the estimated population growth of ten million by as little as 250,000 over the next two decades.

This will leaving the population figure still around 70,750,000 by 2031.

Phil Woolas, the immigration minister, claims the points-based system will control the numbers of non-EU migrant workers and stop the UK population, which is currently 61million, to reach the 70 million mark.

"The points based system is the biggest shake-up in immigration for 50 years," he said last month.

Under the points based system, introduced in November, highly skilled non EU workers need 75 points to enter the UK (tier 1). Skilled workers in a 'shortage area', like a nurse, need 50 points and can only stay for duration of contract and bring partner and children (tier 2).

Those who are low skilled, do not need any points and can only stay one year (tier 3).
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:10:31 +0000 Noul ministru al mediului: Suspendam ordonanta de triplare a taxei de poluare http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Noul-ministru-al-mediului-Suspendam-ordonanta-de-triplare-a-taxei-de-poluare 23.12.2008

Noul minstru al mediului, Nicolae Nemirschi, a declarat, luni, ca va propune primului ministru si Guvernului sa suspende ordonanta emisa in luna decembrie privind triplarea taxei de poluare si, in scurt timp, sa aduca ajustari asupra acesteia, pe perioada suspendarii urmand sa fie aplicat nivelul din iulie.

"Chestiunea aceasta (taxa auto-n.r.) o sa o discut mult mai serios de maine (marti - n.r), dupa ce va avea loc predarea-primirea la minister. Opinia mea, in masura informatiilor pe care le am, este ca ar trebui sa suspendam Ordonanta din decembrie si sa se revina la cea din iulie, adica la aceiasi parametri", a afirmat Nemirschi.

El a aratat ca, potrivit informatiilor furnizate de fostul minstru al mediului, Attila Korodi, care nu a semnat ordonanta din decembrie, Guvernul Tariceanu nu a facut o analiza bine intemeiata si nu a consultat Comisia Europeana cu privire la aceasta ordonanta de urgenta, si nici pe cei interesati, adica patronatele si producatorii de masini.
]]> Stiri Romania Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:37:19 +0000 Four in five failed trial tests http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Four-in-five-failed-trial-tests 23.12.2008

Fewer than one secondary pupil in five passed the first pilot of tests that might have replaced England's Sats for 14-year-olds - now scrapped altogether.

An evaluation for the Department for Children, Schools and Families gave the pass rate in the "single level tests" as 19% overall, 12% in maths.

However in primary schools, 65% passed the first trial tests, which also covered reading and writing.

Papers were made easier for the next pilot, prompting "dumbing down" fears.

Single level tests aim to check whether pupils are working at the national curriculum level at which their teachers have assessed them.

So they take the test when the pupil is believed to be ready - rather than in specific age groups - and either pass or fail.

This is the opposite of the conventional national curriculum tests or "Sats", which incorporate questions at a range of levels.

'Demoralised'

The evaluation by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers says the new type of tests could have "a positive impact on pupil engagement".  The consultants' report says this "was linked to pupils sitting tests at their level and therefore not being demoralised by taking tests which may include questions above their level which they find more difficult to answer (as is possible in a multi-level test)".
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:35:26 +0000 Traian Basescu: Cred ca 80% din electoratul meu nu ma mai sustine vazand in mine omul care a facut compromisul maxim http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Traian-Basescu-Cred-ca-80-din-electoratul-meu-nu-ma-mai-sustine-vazand-in-mine-omul-care-a-facut-compromisul-maxim 23.12.2008

Presedintele Traian Basescu a declarat in emisiunea "Nasul" (B1 Tv) ca este constient ca-si va pierde cea mai mare parte a sustinatorilor sai care erau anti PSD dupa realizarea coalitiei de guvernare PDL-PSD.

"Cred ca acest electorat nu mai este al meu dupa ce a vazut ca am facut compromisul suprem. In 16 ani de cearta ne-am epuizat potentialul de ura", s-a scuzat presedintele care avertizeaza insa ca nu o sa fie niciodata dragoste intre el si PSD.

Seful statului a mai povestit ca a stiut tot timpul de intelegerile preelectorale dintre PSD si PNL si de strategia acestora de a anunta chiar in seara alegerilor, la ora 21:21 (ora cutremurului din '77), pe baza exit-pollurilor trucate, ca PSD si PNL s-au inteles pentru formarea noului guvern. "Am luat decizia sa anunt inainte de alegeri calendarul si sa nu incep nicio consultare cu partidele decat dupa anuntarea rezultatelor oficiale", si-a explicat presedintele strategia de combatere a intentiei pesedistilor si liberalilor. "Cand am vazut ca alianta cu PSD nu este dorita de Patriciu, Voiculescu, Fenechiu, Iliescu sau Adrian Nastase mi-am dat seama ca ar putea sa mearga", a explicat ironic presedintele.
]]> Stiri Romania Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:33:57 +0000 More new EU members to work in UK http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/More-new-EU-members-to-work-in-UK 23.12.2008

Up to 5,000 more workers from Bulgaria and Romania are to be allowed in to Britain each year to do seasonal farm work, the Home Office has announced.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas confirmed that restrictions on immigration from the EU's two newest member states, limiting them to fruit picking and food processing jobs, would not be lifted.

But the numbers allowed in to do agricultural work would be raised from from 16,250 places to 21,250, he said, while the numbers accepted for food processing would stay at 3,500.

"It is essential that only those we need can come here to work and that is why we have decided to continue restricting the work that Bulgarian and Romanians can do here," Mr Woolas said.

"This is a prudent decision that will ensure the UK continues to benefit from the positive economic contribution Bulgarian and Romanian workers make, while protecting British workers and making sure the numbers coming here are managed in the national interest.

"We have already suspended tier three of the points based system to stop low skilled migrants from outside the European Economic Area entering the UK."

Migrant workers from the eight Eastern European countries, including Poland, which joined the EU in 2004 have full working rights in Britain.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:30:48 +0000 Gordon Brown promite sa creeze 100.000 de noi locuri de munca http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Gordon-Brown-promite-sa-creeze-100.000-de-noi-locuri-de-munca 22.12.2008

Premierul britanic, Gordon Brown, a promis ca va crea cel putin 100.000 de noi locuri de munca, investind 10 miliarde de lire sterline in proiecte de infrastructura, intr-un interviu publicat luni in cotidianul Daily Mirror, relateaza NewsIn.

Aceasta suma, echivalentul a 11 miliarde de euro sau 15 miliarde de dolari, va fi folosita in urmatorii doi ani pentru realizarea unor proiecte in educatie, transporturi si alte infrastructuri. "Doar pentru lucrari de reparatii si constructie de scoli, vor fi angajate 100.000 de persoane", a declarat Brown.

Numarul somerilor din Marea Britanie a crescut cu 75.000 in noiembrie, ajungand la 1,07 milioane, ceea ce reprezinta cea mai mare crestere lunara din ultimii 17 ani.

Articol in intregime: HotNews]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:25:51 +0000 Rising energy costs 'affect NHS' http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Rising-energy-costs-affect-NHS 22.12.2008

Rising fuel and energy costs are hitting health trust budgets in Wales, according to a survey by two Plaid Cymru assembly members.

The fuel bill for the Wales Ambulance Trust alone has risen from £2.6m to £3.8m in five years.

Meanwhile, the assembly government has announced an extra £5.8m over two years to help fight fuel poverty in Wales.

The new money will go towards heating and insulation measures for vulnerable people in their homes.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said it would take funding for the home energy efficiency scheme (HEES) to £23m for 2008-2009.

"The most vulnerable people in Wales are the least able to pay rising gas and electricity bills," she said.

"We are looking at what we can do within the areas of the assembly government's powers to mitigate this and we are determined to do everything we can to work with key players, such as energy suppliers, to reduce energy costs for households in Wales."

Already the initiative has helped 93,000 households in Wales, at a total cost of £95m, to a maximum value of £3,600 per home.

Plaid Cymru, highlighting rising bills for health trusts, said some hospital energy costs had doubled.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:24:22 +0000 Ion Iliescu, agresat din nou, in Piata Revolutiei. Prima reactie a fostului presedinte: Oameni dezaxati http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Ion-Iliescu-agresat-din-nou-in-Piata-Revolutiei.-Prima-reactie-a-fostului-presedinte-Oameni-dezaxati 22.12.2008

Fostul presedinte al Romaniei, Ion Iliescu, a fost agresat din nou, luni dimineata, in cadrul ceremoniilor din Piata Revolutiei dedicate aniversarii a 19 ani de la evenimentele din decembrie 1989.

Mai multi martori oculari, citati de corespondentul Antena3, sustin ca un batran, in varsta de 78 de ani, l-ar fi luat in brate si ar fi incercat sa-l tranteasca la pamant pe Ion Iliescu.

Ofiterii SPP din garda lui Iliescu au infirmat insa faptul ca batranul s-a apropiat de Iliescu, precizand ca au existat doar agresiuni verbale.

Batranul i-a strigat lui Ion Iliescu ca cei doi copii ai sai au murit la Revolutie si l-a acuzat pe fostul presedinte ca este vinovat de moartea lor.

Dupa ce garda SPP a lui Ion Iliescu a intervenit, batranul a fost retinut, legitimiat si dus la politie. Batranul a fost amendat cu doua milioane de lei pentru tulburarea ordinii publice.

Iliescu: "Oameni dezaxati"

Reactia fostului presedinte, imediat dupa incident, a fost: "Oameni dezaxati", dupa care, inconjurat de SPP-isti, a incercat sa plece.

In momentul in care ziaristii au insistat in obtinerea unui comentariu, Ion Iliescu a raspuns, vizibil iritiat: "Asta e boala presei noastre. Nu comentez in nciun fel, sunt dezaxati. Trebuiesc igonorati, tratati asa cum merita".
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:10:32 +0000 Sfaturi si atentionari de la MAE pentru romanii plecati de sarbatori in strainatate http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Sfaturi-si-atentionari-de-la-MAE-pentru-romanii-plecati-de-sarbatori-in-strainatate 22.12.2008

Ministerul de Externe a pregatit anul acesta o lista consistenta de sfaturi, recomandari si avertismente pe care romanii care intentioneaza sa calatoreasca si pe care este bine ca acestia sa o citeasca, pentru a evita orice situatie neplacuta.

Recomandarile sunt necesare mai ales in contextul in care, in ultimii ani, vacantele romanilor in strainatate au fost marcate, in multe cazuri, de incidente si evenimente neplacute, precizeaza Mediafax.

"Ghidul" MAE poate fi consultat pe site-ul institutiei, impreuna cu mai multe avertismente de calatorie si cu date despre fiecare tara in parte. Acesta contine, pentru fiecare zona, de la sfaturi generale – verificarea valabilitatii actelor, incheierea unei asigurari inainte de plecare si cunoasterea numarului de telefon al misiunii diplomatice a Romaniei din tara de destinatie – pana la elemente de detaliu legate de comportamentul taximetristilor, rata infractionalitatii sau regimul jocurilor de noroc.

Astfel, romanii care vor sa calatoreasca in landurile austriece Tirol si Kaerntner sunt sfatuiti sa se informeze din timp referitor la starea vremii si a drumurilor, deoarece caderile masive de zapada conduc la impunerea unor restrictii de circulatie care merg pana la inchiderea drumurilor pentru circulatia publica.

Potrivit MAE, in statiunile din Austria, plasate la granita cu Elvetia sau Italia, romanii trebuie sa se informeze despre reglementarile privind achizitionarea si introducerea marfurilor dintr-o tara in alta, deoarece "un pret avantajos in Elvetia nu inseamna si scutirea de taxe vamale la intrarea pe teritoriul austriac".
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:05:59 +0000 Bulgaria and Romania curbs stay http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Bulgaria-and-Romania-curbs-stay 19.12.2008

Migrants from Bulgaria and Romania will continue to be barred from taking most unskilled jobs in the UK. But 5,000 more workers from those countries will be admitted to carry out seasonal agricultural work. Ministers have accepted in full the recommendation of the Migration Advisory Committee which said curbs introduced in 2007 should remain.

Committee chairman Professor David Metcalf said the aim was to protect British jobs in the downturn.

Migrants from Poland and the seven other Eastern European nations which joined the EU in 2004 will continue to be free to work in the UK.

Bulgarian and Romanians are free to enter the UK, as citizens of EU countries, and there are at least 67,000 people from the two countries living in Britain, according to the Labour Force Survey.

And skilled workers from the two countries are entitled to seek work permits but firms who employ unskilled workers face prosecution.

The restrictions will be reviewed again in 2009.

Rising unemployment

Professor Metcalf said: "In this time of economic downturn it was sensible to make recommendations which would avoid any negative impacts on the current UK workforce.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:54:25 +0000 UK consumer confidence 'improves' http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/UK-consumer-confidence-improves 19.12.2008

UK consumer confidence has improved for the second month in a row, a survey has shown, suggesting the recent cuts in VAT and interest rates are working. The consumer confidence index from market research group GFK NOP rose by two points to -33 in December. However, it remains near all-time lows.

The rise was led by an increased confidence in making major purchases. Its survey comes a day after official figures showed a surprise increase in retail sales in November.
Lower petrol price

The GFK NOP study said the major purchases sub-index jumped 10 points to -29, but still stands 15 points lower than this time last year.  It also found that consumers are now less likely to save money than they were last month, and that they are far less optimistic about the general economic situation over the next 12 months.

The sub index measuring how people think the economy will perform over the next year fell by five points, to -41.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:53:03 +0000 Guvernul Emil Boc e complet http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Guvernul-Emil-Boc-e-complet 19.12.2008

Conducerile PDL si PSD au desemnat joi nominalizatii pentru posturile ministeriale in guvernul condus de Emil Boc. Printre numele propuse de cele doua partide se numara fosti ministri (Dan Nica, Ilie Sarbu, Marian Sarbu, Vasile Blaga, Radu Berceanu), dar si new-entries precum Elena Udrea (la Turism), Monica Iacob Ridzi, Theodor Paleologu (Cultura) si Mihai Stanisoara (MApN). La ministerul Justitiei ar putea fi propus Mihai Selegean, fostul director al Institutului National al Magistraturii.

Propunerile PD-L:

Gheorghe Pogea

* Ministerul Finantelor Publice - Gheorghe Pogea

Gheorghe Pogea a fost acuzat in 2006 ca ar fi dat ordin unui angajat de la Directia de Drumuri sa i se asfalteze drumul ce duce la casa sa de vacanta de pe lacul Cincis. In 2001 a ajuns la firma lui Adriean Videanu, la "Marmosim" Simeria, unde devine manager, functie pe care si-o pastreaza pana in vara lui 2005, cand este numit vicepremier.
]]> Stiri Romania Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:51:41 +0000 Romania, singura tara care a implementat complet directiva serviciilor media audiovizuale http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Romania-singura-tara-care-a-implementat-complet-directiva-serviciilor-media-audiovizuale EurActiv
19.12.2008

Dupa un an de la intrarea in vigoare a noii directive europene menite sa liberalizeze normele TV si sa inlature restrictiile depasite si birocratice cu privire la serviciile de televiziune digitala pe internet, de video la cerere si de televiziune mobila din Europa, statele membre ale UE au inregistrat putine progrese in adaptarea normelor nationale. Doar Romania a implementat complet noile norme europene cu privire la mijloacele audiovizuale, care au intrat in vigoare la 19 decembrie 2007 (IP/07/1809).

Directiva UE a serviciilor media audiovizuale, adoptata de Parlamentul European si de Consiliul UE al Ministrilor in urma unei propuneri inaintate de Comisie (IP/05/1573), a adaptat vechile norme UE privind serviciile de televiziune traditionale pentru a tine seama de era digitala si de noua generatie de servicii TV.Celelalte 26 de state membre implementeaza in prezent in legislatia nationala normele modernizate pentru sectorul audiovizual european.Ele trebuie sa faca acest lucru pana in decembrie 2009.Pana atunci, UE ar trebui sa aiba o piata unica pentru toate serviciile media audiovizuale, oferind intreprinderilor certitudine juridica si telespectatorilor programe mai variate si de mai buna calitate.

„Noile norme europene reprezinta o ocazie de a crea o piata unica pentru era digitala, de aceea indemn statele membre sa le instituie intr-un mod rapid si flexibil pentru ca producatorii TV, posturile de televiziune si telespectatorii sa beneficieze de ele cat mai repede posibil”, a afirmat Viviane Reding, comisarul UE pentru societatea informationala si media.„Am actualizat normele europene privind serviciile de televiziune datorita tehnologiei care evolueaza rapid si a nevoii de a ameliora competitivitatea sectorului audiovizual european.Pentru statele membre, acest fapt reprezinta sansa de a indeparta restrictiile depasite, de a consolida coreglementarea si autoreglementarea, mai ales in domeniul publicitatii, de a reafirma dreptul la informare si de a promova calitatea si diversitatea.Cu toate acestea, ma ingrijoreaza faptul ca unele state membre par sa utilizeze noile norme ca o scuza pentru a spori birocratia.Am creat o mai buna reglementare la nivel european si ma astept ca statele membre sa faca acelasi lucru la nivel national.”

]]> Stiri Romania Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:50:06 +0000 Pozitia MAE fata de decizia autoritatilor de la Londra privind mentinerea restrictiilor pentru forta de munca din Romania si Bulgaria http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Pozitia-MAE-fata-de-decizia-autoritatilor-de-la-Londra-privind-mentinerea-restrictiilor-pentru-forta-de-munca-din-Romania-si-Bulgaria 19.12.2008

Ministerul Afacerilor Externe a luat act de decizia autorităţilor de la Londra de a menţine restricţiile privind accesul forţei de muncă din România şi Bulgaria pe piaţa forţei de muncă din Marea Britanie şi îşi exprimă dezamăgirea profundă în legătură cu această măsură.

MAE consideră că menţinerea restricţiilor este contrară spiritului Strategiei de la Lisabona, ale cărei obiective, acceptate atât de Marea Britanie cât şi de România, vizează crearea mai multor locuri de muncă şi eliminarea obstacolelor care încă îngrădesc mobilitatea lucrătorilor în interiorul Uniunii.

În opinia MAE, nu este de estimat producerea unei presiuni din partea românilor pe piaţa muncii din Marea Britanie, care să justifice măsuri de protecţie.

În cursul acestei dimineţi, secretarul de stat Răduţa Matache a prezentat poziţia autorităţilor române şi în cadrul unei discuţii avute la sediul MAE cu ambasadorul Marii Britanii la Bucureşti, Robin Barnett, în cadrul căreia, acesta a informat asupra hotărârii autorităţilor britanice. Ambasadorul britanic a menţionat că următoarea reevaluare a deciziei va avea loc în decembrie 2009 şi a comunicat că numărul de locuri prevăzut anual pentru cetăţenii români în cadrul schemei de lucrători sezonieri în agricultură va creşte de la 16.250 la 21.250.

Ambasadorul Marii Britanii a precizat că decizia nu este îndreptată împotriva cetăţenilor români, fiind strict motivată de situaţia economică internă, pe fundalul crizei economice şi financiare globale şi a subliniat excelenta cooperare româno-britanică în toate domeniile, inclusiv în domeniul poliţienesc şi judiciar.

Secretarul de stat român a arătat că datele statistice arată că în Marea Britanie sunt puţini cetăţeni români, în jur de 1% din totalul cetăţenilor străini din această ţară şi a subliniat contribuţia pozitivă pe care aceştia o au la dezvoltarea economică a ţării de reşedinţă.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:40:34 +0000 British jobs for British people? http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/British-jobs-for-British-people 17.12.2008

Following a report that since 2001 all new jobs in England have been taken by immigrants while economic gloom continues, there are real fears that rising unemployment could lead to increased racial tension. Matthew George examines the evidence

With Barack Obama's victory in the American election signalling that the country has turned a corner towards racial harmony, the economic downturn could yet slow the pace of change.

In the UK, many are concerned that fewer jobs and lower wages resulting from the credit crunch will stir racial tensions once again. The threat of civil disorder looms. Chairman of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission Trevor Phillips claims the outcome of such public resentment has already been seen in Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands, with extremist political parties gaining influence. He says action is needed now to help disadvantaged white people. Stretched job markets and crowded multilingual classrooms are likely to become major campaign issues for groups such as the BNP at next year's EU and local elections.

"We need to make sure that as services shrink and jobs disappear, the burden is shared by all, not falling on the few," insists Phillips. "We have to recognise that in most parts of this country the disadvantaged won't be black or brown, they will be white – the name of the game today is to tackle inequality."

On mothers trying to return to employment after providing care for their young children, Phillips observes that unsuccessful women might be "rejected for job after job in a slack labour market, yet see a clever young Latvian or Lithuanian with two degrees and three languages doing the job they would like to do – it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out how they will feel".
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:22:18 +0000 Obesity 'set before age of five' http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Obesity-set-before-age-of-five 17.12.2008

Childhood obesity is set before the age of five, ministers will hear from researchers later.

Compared to children in the 1980s, today's youngsters are fatter and most of their excess weight gain happens before school age, they will say.

This suggests initiatives to prevent childhood obesity should be started before school, suggest the authors.

The EarlyBird Diabetes study of 233 children from birth to puberty is being published in the journal Pediatrics.

One in four children aged four to five in England are overweight, latest figures show.

Disease 'of our time'

At birth, the children in the study were of similar weight to babies 25 years ago, but had gained more fat by puberty compared with children of the same age in the 1980s.      The bulk of this excess weight was gained before the children were five.

Weight at five years bore little relation to birth weight, but closely predicted weight at nine years old.

Before an obese girl reaches school age she will have already gained 90% of her excess weight, and boys will have gained 70% of their excess weight.

Lead researcher Professor Terry Wilkin, of the Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, said: "When they reach the age of five the die seems to be cast, at least until the age of puberty.

"What is causing it is very difficult to know."
]]> Stiri din Lume Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:20:56 +0000 Dacia Sandero, voted Car of Year 2009 in Romania http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Dacia-Sandero-voted-Car-of-Year-2009-in-Romania 17.12.2008

Dacia Sandero won the “Car of Year 2009 in Romania” prize at the competition that bears the same name organised by the Romanian Auto Press Association (APAR). The jury of the Romanian Auto Press Association gave 203 points to Sandero model, whereas Opel Insignia, the holder of the second place gained 162 points. Citroen C5 got the third place with a total of 136 points.

As many as 13 members of the 20 of the jury voted Sandero for the first place.
Dacia Sandero car was also designated “Car of the Year” in Romania at the competition organised by the Automobile Journalists and Editors Union in Romania (UZEAR).

“When we first came in Romania, 10 years ago, it took us 10 minutes to get from the airport to the center of the city. Now it takes us three hours. This is the best example of the development of the Romanian automotive industry. As for Dacia, you can be convinced that Dacia is one of the main development directions of Renault,” said Christian Esteve, vice-president of Renault.

]]> Stiri Romania Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:19:35 +0000 Immigration drops http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Immigration-drops 17.12.2008

Back in late summer, the ever-perspicacious Vince Cable, predicted that “if we get into a serious recession, immigration will become negative, as it has before.” According to the Office for National Statistics, this has now come to pass, with data showing that immigration into Britain fell by 8.9 percent to 577,000 last year. Separate Home Office figures show the number from the eight eastern European nations including Poland that joined the EU in 2004 dropped for a fourth consecutive quarter.

At the same time, Eurostat - the EU’s statistical bureau - released immigration figures for 2006. These figures show a couple of interesting things. First, in 2006 about 3 million foreign immigrants settled in an EU country, with 1.2 million being from another EU country and 1.8 being non-EU citizens. The largest foreign immigrant groups were citizens of Poland (about 290,000 persons), Romania (about 230,000), Morocco (about 140,000), Britain, Ukraine and China (each about 100,000) and Germany (about 90,000).

So who took in the most immigrants? In 2006, the largest number of foreign immigrants was recorded in Spain (803,000 persons), Germany (558,500) and then Britain (451,700), who together received 60% of all foreign immigrants in the EU. But these immigrants primarily came from within the EU (Polish plumbers, French bankers, German auto-dealers). The highest shares of immigrants from non-EU countries were registered in Slovenia (90%), Romania (86%), Portugal (84%) and the Czech Republic (83%)
That is in absolute numbers. Compared with the population in the receiving countries, the highest rate of foreign immigration in the EU was recorded in Luxembourg (28.8 foreign immigrants per 1,000 inhabitants), followed by Ireland (19.6), Cyprus (18.7), and Spain (18.1).
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:16:54 +0000 Presa straina scrie despre retragerea lui Stolojan http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Presa-straina-scrie-despre-retragerea-lui-Stolojan 16.12.2008

Principalele agentii de presa internationale relateaza despre decizia lui Theodor Stolojan de a renunta la nominalizarea pentru postul de premier in favoarea unui candidat mai tanar, amintind de retragerea sa din postura de candidat la presedintie in 2004, cand a fost inlocuit de Traian Basescu.

Reuters relateaza ca Stolojan s-a retras luni, afirmand ca aceasta pozitie are nevoie de mai multe garantii de la liderii unei noi coalitii de centru-stanga.

AFP relateaza ca Stolojan a renuntat la numai cinci zile dupa ce a fost insarcinat de presedintele tarii cu formarea unui nou Guvern. Stolojan a generat surpriza in 2004, cand s-a retras in ultimul moment din cursa pentru presedintia Romaniei, fiind inlocuit de Traian Basescu, aminteste France Presse.

Retregerea sa de luni vine la o zi dupa incheierea unui acord de coalitie intre Partidul Democrat-Liberal, al carui vicepresedinte este, si Partidul Social-Democrat. "Dupa parerea mea, presedintii celor doua partide politice care au semnat acest acord trebuie sa isi asume
acest parteneriat ocupand posturile de premier si presedinte al Senatului", a afirmat Stolojan.
]]> Stiri din Lume Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:09:33 +0000 Integrate or wait to obtain UK citizenship http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Integrate-or-wait-to-obtain-UK-citizenship 16.12.2008

The UK government has announced that immigrants who commit 'even minor crimes' or make no effort to integrate to society will have a longer wait to become a UK citizen The purpose of the proposed Citizenship, Immigration and Borders Bill (The Bill) is to replace all existing immigration legislation with a simplified, clear and coherent legal framework to control the UK borders, manage migration and reform the path to citizenship.

The Home Office promised that the Bill, unveiled in the Queen's Speech on 3 December 08, would ensure a 'firm but fair' system is in place and said 'there will be a number of changes to nationality law, allowing us to shorten or lengthen the qualifying period according to behaviour'.

Immigrants must 'earn' British passports by carrying out voluntary work, paying taxes and learning to speak English. Those who make a greater effort to integrate by, for example, helping out at community centres or taking old-aged pensioners shopping could be 'fast-tracked'. However migrants who commit crimes or do not work will be sent home.

Under the Bill, applicants must have lived in the UK for minimum six years before being granted 'earned citizenship'. Currently non-EEA migrants coming to the UK to work are allowed to stay after five years but there is no obligation to become citizens. This will be replaced by five years' temporary residence followed by a period of between one and five years of 'probationary' citizenship.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:08:03 +0000 Stolojan renunta la nominalizarea pentru functia de premier. Boc, desemnat prim-ministru de Basescu http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Stolojan-renunta-la-nominalizarea-pentru-functia-de-premier.-Boc-desemnat-prim-ministru-de-Basescu 16.12.2008

Theodor Stolojan a anuntat, luni, ca si-a depus mandatul de premier la presedinte, afirmand ca a decis sa dea o speranta tinerei generatii de politicieni, care sa intre in politica la nivel de varf / Presedintele Traian Basescu a anuntat, luni, ca l-a desemnat pe Emil Boc pentru postul de prim-ministru, ca a luat nota de retragerea lui Theodor Stolojan, precum si ca va semna decretele privind retragerea desemnarii acestuia si nominalizarea lui Boc.

Stolojan renunta la nominalizarea pentru functia de premier. Boc, desemnat prim-ministru de Basescu

Theodor Stolojan a anuntat, luni, ca si-a depus mandatul de premier la presedinte, afirmand ca a decis sa dea o speranta tinerei generatii de politicieni, care sa intre in politica la nivel de varf.

Stolojan a precizat ca presedintele Romaniei este singurul care va lua decizia cui sa incredinteze mandatul de prim-ministru desemnat din PDL.

"Argumentul meu este ca cei doi presedinti care au semnat parteneriatul trebuie sa isi asume garantia asumarii acestui parteneriat prin cele doua functii de prim-ministru si de presedinte al Senatului", a spus Stolojan.

El a precizat ca vrea sa dea o speranta generatiei tinere, care sa intre in politica la nivel de varf.

"Am luat hotararea sa imi depun mandatul de prim-ministru desemnat la presedintele Romaniei. Cei doi presedinti de partid au semnat acest parteneriat pentru Romania care sa asigure o guvernare solida, stabila, in urmatorii 4 ani de zile. Este un inceput de viata politica noua in Romania. Presedintele Romaniei, potrivit Constitutiei, este singurul care va lua decizia cui sa ii incredinteze din nou mandatul de prim ministru desemnat din randurile PDL", a spus Stolojan.

El a mentionat ca "argumentul sau este ca cei doi presedinti care au semnat Parteneriatul pentru Romania trebuie sa isi asume garantia realizarii acestui parteneriat prin cele mai importante functii in stat: functia de prim ministru si functia de presedinte al Senatului".
]]> Stiri Romania Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:06:41 +0000 Migrants account for almost all new jobs http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Migrants-account-for-almost-all-new-jobs 16.12.2008

There are 1.34 million more people in work now than in 2001 but the number of UK-born workers in employment has actually fallen by 62,000 over the same period.

In contrast there has been a significant surge in the number of migrant workers in employment - including almost half a million more Eastern Europeans, the study from Migrationwatch UK shows.

Critics said the latest figures make a mockery of Gordon Brown's pledge of "British jobs for British workers".

Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch, said: "From an immigration point of view this means that migration from Eastern Europe is moving into balance as we have been predicting but, from the point of view of British born workers, the damage to their prospects has already been done - at a time when jobs of almost all kinds are at a premium.

"This must have been staring the government in the face for a long time yet even last month they described the East European migrants as "helping to fill gaps in the labour market". Rather than come clean about the effect of massive immigration on the prospects of British born workers they have been spinning the statistics and camouflaging the true position with "tough talk" about immigration.

'Now that the cat is out of the bag they cannot possibly lift such restrictions as now exist on Romanian and Bulgarian workers."
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:19 +0000 UK house prices 'to fall by 30%' http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/UK-house-prices-to-fall-by-30 15.12.2008


The head of Barclays bank has predicted that economic gloom will deepen, with property prices falling by up to 30%.

John Varley's warning comes ahead of the latest UK unemployment figures on Wednesday, where the number of jobless is expected to rise sharply.

A new survey suggests household debt is on the increase, and the value of sterling has fallen against the euro.

But EU governments have been told they cannot break the financial rules in order to boost their economies.

John Varley, Group Chief Executive of Barclays, painted a bleak outlook in an interview on Sky News, during which he criticised mortgage borrowing levels over the last decade.  He warned the UK was only "halfway" through the slump with house prices set for even greater falls.

He said: "Our view was that from the top to the bottom, you would see a fall of something like 25 to 30%.

"I suspect we're about halfway through that at the moment. I mean that slowdown, the negative house price inflation started in 2007, it's accelerated in 2008.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:13:06 +0000 Mouse-ul a implinit 40 de ani! http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Mouse-ul-a-implinit-40-de-ani 15.12.2008

Era fabricat din lemn, avea un singur buton si parea mult mai masiv fata de urmasii sai din zilele noastre.  Si totusi...Mouse-ul de calculator prezentat pentru prima oara pe data de 9 decembrie 1968 de catre Douglas Engelbart avea sa reprezinte un pas urias in dezvoltarea industriei calculatoarelor. Aniversarea celor 40 de ani, anuntata de catre BBC News, a fost celebrata si printr-o serie de intalniri ale marilor specialisti din domeniul calculatoarelor, inclusiv a unora dintre participantii la demonstratia de acum 40 de ani.

Douglas Engelbart, considerat drept unul dintre marii vizionari ai noilor tehnologii performante, facea o demonstratie a functionalitatii si utilitatii mouse-ului la San Francisco, la una dintre marile conferinte ale specialistilor in calculatoare din acea perioada.  Iar cea mai mare parte a tehnologiilor utilizate la acea demonstratie reprezenta sursa de inspiratie pentru specialistii care urmau sa dezvolte atat mouse-ul cat si aplicatiile care aveau sa il foloseasca, de atunci si pana in zilele noastre.

Demonstratia din 1968 avea de fapt ca scop fundamental prezentarea sistemului de conectare a mai multor calculatoare NLS, la care Engelbart si echipa sa de la Institutul de Cercetari Stanford din California lucrasera din 1962.

Sistemul - capabil sa lege intre ele mai multe calculatoare – care devenea baza retelei Arpanet –stramoasa internetului din zilele noastre. Din pacate, aceasta tehnologie era mult prea complexa si permitea utilizarea doar de catre persoane cu un grad ridicat de pregatire in domeniu.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:11:41 +0000 Zonele protejate din Romania au fost incluse in reteaua europeana Natura 2000 http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Zonele-protejate-din-Romania-au-fost-incluse-in-reteaua-europeana-Natura-2000 15.12.2008

Reteaua europeana de zone naturale protejate Natura 2000 s-a extins, vineri, cu 769 de situri, majoritatea din noile state membre, printre care si Romania. Este vorba de o suprafata de 95.522 km2, care include, printre altele, zona Deltei Dunarii si Muntii Macin din Romania, Muntii Pirin din Bulgaria si Lacul Golpo din Polonia.

Natura 2000 include, in prezent, aproximativ 25.000 de situri si ocupa aproape 20% din suprafata continentala a UE, fiind cea mai mare retea interconectata de zone protejate din lume.

Stavros Dimas, Comisarul european pentru mediu, a declarat cu aceasta ocazie: „Fiecare sit nou adaugat la retea semnifica o protectie mai buna a speciilor si habitatelor din Europa. Sunt incantat sa vad ca atat de multe situri din noile state membre s-au adaugat listelor. Datorita retelei Natura 2000, avem garantia ca generatiile viitoare vor beneficia de patrimoniul natural bogat al Europei”.

Unde se afla noile situri?

Majoritatea siturilor noi sunt situate in Bulgaria, Romania si Polonia si includ zone din Marea Neagra (in cazul Bulgariei si al Romaniei) si regiunile biogeografice stepice (Romania).
]]> Stiri Romania Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:10:33 +0000 Problema legalizarii marijuanei, prima in topul intrebarilor adresate de americani lui Obama http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Problema-legalizarii-marijuanei-prima-in-topul-intrebarilor-adresate-de-americani-lui-Obama 15.12.2008

Problema legalizarii marijuanei se afla pe primul loc in topul intrebarilor pe care americanii i le-au adresat presedintelui ales Barack Obama in cadrul proiectului "Open for Questions". Chestiunea legalizarii canabisului este prima intre cele peste 10.300 de intrebari pe care mai mult de 20.400 de americani le-au postat pe site-ul change.gov si carora echipa de tranzitie a viitorului lider de la Casa Alba urmeaza sa le raspunda in urmatoarele zile.

Potrivit rezultatelor proiectului online, legalizarea marijuanei, in special a celei medicale, reprezinta prioritatea numarul unu pentru americani. "Veti lua in considerare chestiunea legalizarii marijuanei, astfel incat guvernul sa o poata controla, taxa, sa impuna limite de varsta, sa poata crea milioane de noi locuri de munca si sa realizeze o industrie de miliarde de dolari, aici, in Statele Unite?", este intrebarea care a fost votata prima in cadrul proiectului "Open for Questions". In cele trei zile cat a durat proiectul, 20.468 de americani au postat 10.303 intrebari, care au primit 978.947 de voturi.

Printre celelalte chestiuni importante pentru americani se numara Wall Street, celulele stem, dar si anchetarea oficialilor din Administratia Bush pentru interceptari ilegale sau folosirea torturii impotriva detinutilor acuzati de terorism.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:09:11 +0000 Immigration workers vital to the UKs economic recovery http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Immigration-workers-vital-to-the-UKs-economic-recovery 15.12.2008

A new influx of immigration is necessary to spur Britain out of recession, according to a report published today by a think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), with close links to Downing Street. The report to be delivered to ministers claims migrants are an 'essential part of the UK's economic recovery', playing a vital role in employment sectors such as the construction and hospitality industry. Some planned construction projects such as the 2012 Olympics will require an additional 40,000 workers per year until 2012, above and beyond those already in the sector.

The report calls for the UK to introduce more flexible immigration policies which allow it to attract and retain the migrants who help to keep certain economic sectors like construction afloat.

"It is more important than ever that the government does not use the recession as an excuse to restrict the numbers of migrant workers coming to the UK," said Lisa Harker, co-director of the IPPR.

"Our research shows that, even in recession, migrant workers are essential in delivering the key construction projects that will help boost local economies." She added: "Just as migrant workers helped to boost the UK economy on its way up, they are even more essential in a recession, helping to keep afloat industries like construction and hospitality which rely on a flexible workforce happy to do contractual work and able to travel for work."
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:58:58 +0000 Most Britons think UK is turning into police state http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Most-Britons-think-UK-is-turning-into-police-state 12.12.2008

Britain is turning into a police state, according to politics.co.uk users in a new poll. The results come as concerns raised by the arrest of Damian Green refuse to die down. Sixty-five per cent of users said they believed Britain was turning into a police state, echoing accusations of 'Mugabe-style' tactics levelled against the government by the Conservatives.

Only 24 per cent of users disagreed with the statement. There was strong support for Mr Green, with 83 per cent of users saying he did not deserve to be arrested.

The government came in for criticism over the affair, indicating Labour's response to the controversy has failed to satisfy the public. The committee set up to assess the causes and impact of the arrest was lambasted by opposition parties for having a limited remit and only being able to convene after the police investigation is over.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are both boycotting the committee. Seventy-eight per cent of politics.co.uk users said they believed government figures were aware of the police action before it occurred.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:25:28 +0000 New UK ID cards catch first illegal immigrant http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/New-UK-ID-cards-catch-first-illegal-immigrant 12.12.2008

The man was caught out using biometric technology at the identity card centre for foreign nationals in Solihull.  Ranjit Singh, a 33-year-old Indian male from Caddington in Luton, was required to attend the centre after applying for a UK visa to stay in the country.

The fingerprints taken at the centre for the ID card confirmed Singh was a failed asylum seeker also called Ranjit Singh, aged 23.  Singh made a confession that he had previously made an application for asylum using a false date of birth.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith said, "Identity cards ensure that foreign nationals living, working and studying here legally are able to prove their identity easily - but they also make it much harder for people to use false or multiple identities.

"This case shows that the scheme is already working, and that with tough enforcement by UK Border Agency officials, those who don't play by the rules will be caught out."

In a press release, Smith announced the UK Home Office would start making identity cards mandatory for foreign nationals living, working and studying in Britain on Tuesday 25 November.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:22:59 +0000 Lira sterlina scade la cea mai mica valoare din ultimii 28 de ani http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Lira-sterlina-scade-la-cea-mai-mica-valoare-din-ultimii-28-de-ani 12.12.2008

In pragul sarbatorilor, britanicii au aflat ca, foarte curand, paritatea de schimb a lirei sterline ar putea cobori la 1 euro. La momentul actual, valoarea lirei comparativ cu celelalte valute a scazut la cel mai mic nivel din ultimii 28 de ani, pe fondul temerilor legate de sanatatea economiei britanice, scrie The Telegraph.

Miercuri, 10 decembrie, Banca Angliei a inregistrat cel mai scazut nivel de schimb din 1980. Ultima oara cand valuta britanica s-a confruntat cu o astfel de situatie a fost la mijlocul anilor 70, cand statul britanic, confruntat cu o grava criza, a primit un ajutor de urgenta de la FMI, amintesc expertii financiari.

Temerile privind nivelul crescut al imprumuturilor guvernamentale, spun ei, au dus la caderea in gol a lirei sterline. In aceeasi nota, cancelarul Alistair Darling afirma recent ca datoria publica ar putea ajunge la peste un trilion de lire in urmatorii ani.

Peter Spencer, consilier sef Ernst & Young Item Club, considera ca "este nevoie de o economie puternica pentru o valuta puternica, iar economia Marii Britanii nu mai detine aceasta putere. In mod normal, autoritatile ar trebui sa intervina, dar este evident ca Banca Angliei nu o va face. Ramane de vazut cat de jos vom ajunge".
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:21:53 +0000 Comentariu Reuters: Nesiguranta economica se va adanci in Romania, daca negocierile pentru o noua coalitie esueaza http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Comentariu-Reuters-Nesiguranta-economica-se-va-adanci-in-Romania-daca-negocierile-pentru-o-noua-coalitie-esueaza 12.12.2008

Romania se va confrunta cu adancirea incertitudinii economice, intr-un moment critic, in cazul in care negocierile pentru formarea unei noi coalitii vor esua, scrie Reuters, amintind de dificultatile aparute intre PSD si PD-L pe tema includerii UDMR la guvernare.

Disputa legata de includerea sau nu a maghiarilor in noul guvern al Romaniei a amenintat joi sa distruga negocierile vizand formarea unei coalitii de centru-stanga. Fostii comunisti din PSD si centristii din PD-L negociaza o alianta, condusa de Theodor Stolojan, care miercuri a obtinut numirea ca prim-ministru, explica Reuters, citat de NewsIn.

PSD refuza sa formeze o coalitie daca PD-L, care a castigat la limita alegerile din 30 noiembrie, invita la guvernare si UDMR, partidul ce ii reprezinta pe etnicii maghiari din Romania.

Reprezentand 7% din populatie, maghiarii au avut dispute cu romanii in legatura cu drepturile minoritatilor de la caderea comunismului, in 1989, dar retorica violenta s-a calmat in ultimii ani, pe masura ce maghiarii au castigat mai multe drepturi, scrie Reuters, citat de NewsIn.
]]> Stiri Romania Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:15:47 +0000 UK immigration withdraws seven year child concession http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/UK-immigration-withdraws-seven-year-child-concession 12.12.2008

‘The United Kingdom Border Agency is withdrawing DP5/96, a concession which has also been referred to as the seven year child concession, as of 9 December 2008.’ - Phil Woolas, Minister for Borders and Immigration

Also known as DP5/96, the concession protected the rights of children born and/ or living in the UK continuously for at least 7 years. It meant the child and parents could not be deported to the parents original country, as in most cases, it would be a traumatic and unfamiliar experience.

Effective immediately is the decision not to support visa applications relying on a DP5/96.

Is this a good or bad decision?

Removals will still be able to be challenged under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act which takes into consideration the decisions in the cases of Beoku-Betts (FC) (Appellant) v Secretary of State for the Home Department.
\The withdrawal of 5/96 is due to changes in UK immigration rules and the Human Rights Act 1998, which appear to have superceded the rules of 5/96.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:12:06 +0000 Traian Basescu a prezentat pozitia Romaniei la summit-ul de joi si vineri de la Bruxelles http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Traian-Basescu-a-prezentat-pozitia-Romaniei-la-summit-ul-de-joi-si-vineri-de-la-Bruxelles 11.12.2008

Presedintele Traian Basescu a declarat, joi, la plecarea la Bruxelles ca Romania va sustine la Consiliul European de iarna, desfasurat joi si vineri, cresterea finantarii pentru industria auto si pentru IMM-uri cu fonduri de la BEI. 

Totodata, Romania considera ca banii pentru agricultura nu trebuie realocati. Tara noastra va sustine la Bruxelles extinderea timpului de utilizare a fondurilor pentru agricultura, astfel incat acestea sa poata fi integral folosite, a mai spus presedintele.

Reducerea birocratiei pentru banii veniti de la UE, astfel ca in situatii de criza sa putem actiona rapid, este un alt punct important pe care Romania il va sustine la summit-ul din 11-12 decembrie de la Bruxelles, dupa cum a declarat seful statului.
]]> Stiri Romania Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:36:12 +0000 Sterling hits new record euro low http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Sterling-hits-new-record-euro-low 11.12.2008

The British pound has fallen to a new record low against the euro amid a grim outlook for the UK economy.

Sterling declined to under 1.14 euros for the first time. It also touched a new low against a basket of currencies.

Interest rates have been cut both in the UK and in the eurozone, but they remain higher in the 15-member euro currency area.

The pound was also hit by new data suggesting the UK economy had shrunk by 1% in the three months to November.

The pound stood at $1.4827 and at 1.1363 euros by later afternoon in London.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research indicated that the rate of output decline was "accelerating", and the institute now expects a fall of more than 1% in the last three months of the year.  "We have declining interest rates and there isn't really anything at the moment to provide a strong reason to buy," said currency analyst Chris Gothard at Brown Brothers Harriman.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:34:58 +0000 Sinuciderea asistata a unui britanic, transmisa la postul de televiziune Sky http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Sinuciderea-asistata-a-unui-britanic-transmisa-la-postul-de-televiziune-Sky 11.12.2008

Postul britanic de televiziune Sky prezinta, miercuri noaptea, un documentar controversat: "Right to Die", sinuciderea asistata a unui britanic suferind de sindrom de neuron motor central, informeaza Sky News. Craig Ewert, in varsta de 59 de ani, a fost filmat in urma cu doi ani in timp ce a luat o doza letala de barbiturice, la clinica elvetiana specializata pe astfel de interventii, Dignitas.

"Daca imi indeplinesc planul, voi muri, asa cum si trebuie la un moment dat. Daca nu fac asta, optiunea este de a suferi si de a-mi face si familia sa sufere, pentru ca apoi sa mor oricum. Intr-un fel asta e mai stresant si mai dureros asa", a spus Ewart, inainte de a muri.

“Right to Die” a fost realizat de John Zaritsky, regizor canadian laureat cu Oscar. Este prima persoana careia i-a fost ingaduit accesul de catre organizatia Dignitas, ce militeaza pentru dreptul oamenilor de a muri.

Vaduva lui Craig, Mary Ewert, a aparat decizia sotului sau: “Cand moartea este ascunsa si secreta, oamenii nu-si inving temerile in fata ei. Nu constientizeaza ca urmeaza sa se intample, nu reflecteaza asupra ei, nu vor sa o infrunte. Acesta este tabuul”, a explicat ea pentru The Independent, adaugand ca nu are nici un regret ca a permis camerelor sa filmeze moartea lui Craig. "E ceea ce ne-am dorit amandoi."
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:33:46 +0000 Theodor Stolojan, desemnat de Traian Basescu pentru functia de premier http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Theodor-Stolojan-desemnat-de-Traian-Basescu-pentru-functia-de-premier 11.12.2008

Presedintele Traian Basescu l-a desemnat miercuri pe Theodor Stolojan drept candidat pentru functia de prim ministru. Seful statului a precizat ca "mandatul lui Stolojan, in cazul in care va primi votul Parlamentului, este un mandat pentru patru ani si nu un mandat fractionat". La randul sau, premierul desemnat a declarat ca "in urmatoarele zece zile voi colabora cu reprezentantii PSD si UDMR - cele doua partide care si-au manifestat dorinta de a participa la guvernare".

Iata cele mai importante declaratii facute de Theodor Stolojan:

- Multumesc presedintelui tarii pentru increderea pe care mi-a acordat-o prin desemnearea mea in calitate de prim ministru.
- Multumesc PD-L care m-a sustinut in intreaga activititate si mi-a acordat increderea atunci cand a facut propunerea ca eu sa fiu propus presedintelui Traian Basescu pentru aceasta functie
- In urmatoarele zece zile voi colabora cu reprezentantii PSD si UDMR  - cele doua partide care si-au manifestat dorinta de a participa la guvernare pentru a realiza programul de guvernare in noile conditii care exista in Romania, ca urmare a criei economice mondiale si a recesiunii din tarile dezvoltate
- In urmatoarele zece zile va lucra pentru formarea guvernului cel mai tarziu, pe 22 decembrie ne vom infatisa in fata Parlamentului
- Daca acest guvern va fi investit avem doua misiuni extrem de urgnte: pregatirea proiectului de buget pentru 2009 si relansarea reformelor esentiale pentru progresul Romaniaie: reforma educatiei, a sanatatii, a administratiei publice.

Traian Basescu a afirmat ca, in desemnarea lui Stolojan, a avut in vedere "un om capabil, pe de-o parte sa inteleaga resorturile crizei economice si sa poata sa o gestioneze, iar pe de alta parte, un om cu suficienta autoritate pentru a putea gestiona buna functionare a Guvernului si a instututiilor statului, intr-o perioada in care Romania devine tot mai afectata de efectele crizei financiare si economice globale".
]]> Stiri Romania Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:31:18 +0000 Presa internationala despre numirea lui Stolojan in functia de premier http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Presa-internationala-despre-numirea-lui-Stolojan-in-functia-de-premier 11.12.2008

Theodor Stolojan, lipsit de carisma, dar un economist liberal riguros, va avea, la conducerea unui guvern de coalitie cu fosti adversari, dificila sarcina de a limita efectele crizei economice, dar si de a relansa lupta impotriva coruptiei, relateaza principalele agentii internationale de presa.

"Stolojan, un economist riguros desemnat prim-ministru", titreaza agentia France-Presse, care a urmarit in detaliu in ultimele zile negocierile pentru formarea noului guvern roman.

Theodor Stolojan, desemnat miercuri premier de catre presedintele roman Traian Basescu, este un economist reformist, cunoscut pentru rigoarea sa, care va avea dificila sarcina de a conduce un guvern de coalitie intr-o perioada de criza economica, relateaza AFP intr-un material de tip portret dedicat politicianului de la Bucuresti. In varsta de 65 de ani, Stolojan are aerul unui om serios si o disciplina "germana", care compenseaza, in ochii a numerosi dintre compatriotii sai, lipsa sa de carisma.

Stolojan este astfel omul politic roman care are cota de incredere cea mai ridicata dupa presedintele Basescu, iar sondajele de opinie realizate in timpul campaniei ce a precedat alegerile legislative din 30 noiembrie l-au plasat sistematic in fruntea preferintelor alegatorilor pentru postul de premier, noteaza AFP.
]]> Stiri Romania Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:29:09 +0000 Robert Gordon University lecturer to become first Honorary Consul of Romania in Scotland http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Robert-Gordon-University-lecturer-to-become-first-Honorary-Consul-of-Romania-in-Scotland 10.12.2008

Dr Liliana Hiris, lecturer in economics at the Robert Gordon University, is set to become the first Honorary Consul of Romania in Scotland at a ceremony in Aberdeen hosted by the Lord Provost Peter Stephen tomorrow (Wednesday 10 December).

Dr Hiris, a graduate of Oxford University and the London School of Economics, teaches in the field of European and International Economics at Aberdeen Business School (ABS).

Since moving to Aberdeen from England, where she relocated from Romania in 1996, Dr Hiris has worked tirelessly towards the promotion of links between Scotland and Romania, setting up the Scottish Romanian Society and giving presentations throughout the North-east on Romania as a new member state, after the country's accession to the EU in 2007.

Dr Hiris, originally from the region of Banat in Western Romania, comments: "I was very much aware of the limited knowledge about Romania in Aberdeen, and wished to support the Romanian community in setting up links here."

Dr Hiris sparked tomorrow's development by asking the Romanian Embassy for support in her activities in promoting the country's image in Scotland. It was following this that her appointment as honorary consul was proposed to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She explained: "I am honoured and thrilled with my new post and will make it my mission to continue to educate my students at RGU in economics, and to convey to the people of Scotland a message of mutual understanding and learning of European cultures."
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:06:24 +0000 Romanians 'go to the polls' in Ballymena! http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Romanians-go-to-the-polls-in-Ballymena 10.12.2008

ROMANIANS living in Ballymena were able to cast their votes for the elections in their home country at a polling station on the Broughshane Road it has been revealed.
From a letter tabled at last week's Monthly Meeting of Council it was stated that members of the Romanian community had cast their votes in the November 30 election.

The Ambassador of the Embassy of Romania wrote to Ballymena Borough Council to express his "sincere appreciation for the kind and valuable co-operation which the Romanians living in Ballymena had received from the Mayor and Council".

Ulster Unionist Councillor Neil Armstrong expressed his delight with the Romanian polling station initiative and added: "It might be a good idea if we could do this for all the communities living here in Ballymena.

"It might give us a good idea of how many people from other countries are living here in Ballymena and help us plan for the future. There are a lot of these people who have come here to work and now have settled here and are raising their children here in Ballymena and I think it is important that we would continue to help them."
]]> Stiri din Lume Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:04:10 +0000 More than 180,000 asylum seekers set to stay because of human rights http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/More-than-180000-asylum-seekers-set-to-stay-because-of-human-rights 10.12.2008

More than 50,000 applicants in the so-called "legacy" files have so far been told they can remain - the equivalent of four in ten - and the proportion is increasing.

If the pattern continues at least 180,000 will be given the green light by the time officials clear the 450,000 files, some of which date back to the mid 1990s.

The list includes thousands of people from Turkey and Pakistan and critics said the move was effectively an amnesty by stealth.

Separate figures showed seven foreign murderers, rapists or paedophiles involved in the foreign prisoner scandal have been allowed to remain.

Dozens of other serious overseas criminals such as armed robbers and sex offenders will also stay here.

One Tory MP accused the Government of misleading the public over it's pledge to remove those who pose a risk to society.

Shadow Home Secretary, Dominic Grieve, said: "Whilst the minister for immigration tries to talk tough, the reality is that the Government is prepared to grant what amounts to an effective amnesty just to get the figures down.

"Despite all the spin, it is clear that Labour are in no closer to getting a grip on illegal immigration."
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:39:47 +0000 Romania, pe ultimul loc in UE privind accesul la internet al companiilor http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Romania-pe-ultimul-loc-in-UE-privind-accesul-la-internet-al-companiilor 10.12.2008

Aproximativ 67% dintre companiile din Romania aveau o conexiune la internet in luna ianuarie 2008 si numai 44% dintre acestea beneficiau de o conexiune de internet de mare viteza (broadband), cifre care plaseaza Romania pe ultimul loc in UE, potrivit datelor prezentate marti de Comisia Europeana. Tara noastra ocupa ultima pozitie si in privinta numarului de companii care au pagini web. La nivelul UE, Olanda si Finlanda erau tarile cu cele mai multe companii conectate la internet (99%).

93% din companiile cu peste 10 angajati din tarile membre UE beneficiau de conexiune la internet in ianuarie 2008, nivel similar celui din 2007, 81% dintre firme avand conexiune la internet de mare viteza (broadband), potrivit datelor Eurostat, biroul european de statistica, citate de Comisia Europeana.

Aproape toate companiile au acces la internet in Olanda si Finlanda, circa doua treimi din companiile UE au pagini web

Olanda si Finlanda detineau primul loc in privinta firmelor cu acces la internet, 99% dintre acestea avand o astfel de conexiune la 1 ianuarie 2008. Romania avea cele mai putine firme conectate la internet
(67%), fiind urmata de Bulgaria (83%), Ungaria (86%), Letonia (88%) si Cipru (89%).
]]> Stiri Romania Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:38:24 +0000 Taxa auto a fost triplata cu o saptamana inainte de termen http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Taxa-auto-a-fost-triplata-cu-o-saptamana-inainte-de-termen 10.12.2008

Taxa pe poluarea auto a fost triplata luni, odata cu publicarea in Monitorul Oficial a ordonantei Guvernului privind modificarea taxei, iar toate persoanele care o vor achita incepand de marti vor plati dupa noul sistem de calcul. Ordonanta de urgenta intrata in vigoare pe 8 decembrie prevede la Art. I triplarea taxei pentru toate masinile, dar eliminarea taxei pentru masinile noi intra in vigoare abia la 15 decembrie (Art. II). Aceasta inseamna ca in intervalul 8-15 decembrie, cei care vor sa-si inmatriculeze masini noi vor plati taxa tripla!

In ordonanta de urgenta a Guvernului, publicata luni in Monitorul Oficial (MO), nu este mentionata data de la care taxa va fi triplata, astfel ca ca prevederile actului normativ a intrat in vigoare la momentul publicarii in MO.

Ordonanta mentioneaza insa ca, incepand din 15 decembrie, autovehiculele a caror capacitate cilindrica nu depaseste 2.000 de centimetri cubi (cmc) si care sunt inmatriculate pentru prima data in Romania sau in alte state membre ale Uniunii Europene sunt exceptate de la plata taxei pe poluare pana la data de 31 decembrie 2009.

De asemenea, incepand de luni, 8 decembrie, sunt exceptate de la plata taxei auto toate masinile conforme normelor
Euro 5 si Euro 6, precum si vehiculele electrice si hibride.
]]> Stiri Romania Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:37:10 +0000 Traian Basescu ar putea anunta astazi numele premierului http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Traian-Basescu-ar-putea-anunta-astazi-numele-premierului 10.12.2008

Presedintele Traian Basescu ar putea sa anunte, astazi, cine va fi noul premier. Presedintele Traian Basescu ar putea sa anunte, astazi, numele noului premier. Tot astazi, sunt prevazute intalniri intre reprezentantii PSD si PD-L, dar si intre liderii PNL si cei ai UDMR, transmite Radio Romania Actualitati.

Social-democratii si democrat-liberalii s-au inteles sa formeze o majoritate parlamentara si isi impart fotoliile in ministere. PNL si-a pregatit parlamentarii pentru opozitie, iar UDMR si minoritatile sunt in stand-by.

La finalul discutiilor de marti seara, liderul social-democrat Mircea Geoana a declarat ca PSD intentioneaza sa incheie un protocol politic de colaborare cu PD-L pana miercuri.
]]> Stiri Romania Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:36:03 +0000 Cum arata Romania vazuta de la Bruxelles http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Cum-arata-Romania-vazuta-de-la-Bruxelles 10.12.2008

Ochii oficialilor europeni, mai degraba ai expertilor din institutiile UE, scruteaza statele membre. Acestia spun ca, de la Bruxelles, criza din Romania este vazuta ca fiind mai grava decat recunosc autoritatile romane sau decat o spun public, de aceea viitorul premier trebuie sa fie ferm in a lua decizii nepopulare. Ceea ce cred europenii ca ar trebui evitat de Romania este un imprumut de la FMI, cu monitorizarea aferenta.

Dincolo de toate negocierile, guvernul care se formeaza ar trebui sa aiba o puternica sustinere in Parlament. Sub 50% ii va fi foarte greu sa aiba puterea de a lua decizii importante, au spus surse europene. In plus, si premierul va trebui sa fie un "om care stie economie", sa fie "o personalitate puternica si ferma". "Ar putea fi un premier de sacrificiu, pentru ca va trebui sa ia masuri dure, nepopulare, insa va trebui sa le ia cu fermitate", cred europenii.

Se pare ca analizele specialistilor Comisiei Europene au constatat ca situatia economica din Romania este mult mai grava decat cea prezentata in Romania si ca noul guvern va trebui sa ia masuri extrem de dure. Fara ele, Romania risca sa intre sub monitorizarea FMI, in urma unui imprumut fortat pe care trebuie sa il ia. Leul va fi slab in 2009, spun specialistii comunitari, valoarea monedei europene urcand la mult peste 4 lei, iar faptul ca nu suntem in zona euro va face si mai dificile imprumuturile externe.

Europenii nu privesc cu ochi buni un imprumut de la FMI. Ar fi si o recunoastere a incapacitatii europene de a ajuta un stat membru, dar si o nedorita influenta americana, din punctul lor de vedere. Si ar fi o monitorizare dura a economiei romanesti si a masurilor guvernului.

"Banii FMI sunt insotiti intotdeauna de conditii foarte drastice", au spus sursele europene, amintind dintre acestea disponibilizari masive in sectorul public, inghetarea completa a salariilor bugetarilor si reduceri semnificative ale cheltuielilor bugetare.
]]> Stiri Romania Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:26:32 +0000 Labour - 'Britain needs more migrants' http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Labour-Britain-needs-more-migrants 09.12.2008

A NEW influx of immigration is needed to spur Britain out of recession, a think-tank with close links to Downing Street will say today.

A report to be delivered to ministers claims migrants are an “essential part of the UK’s economic recovery”.

It will demand “more flexible immigration policies” to encourage another wave of newcomers, particularly to boost the building industry.

The report – from Labour’s favourite think-tank, the Institute for Public Policy Research – is bound to enrage critics as dole queues grow.

And it comes after Immigration Minister Phil Woolas admitted it was “too easy” for illegal immigrants to remain in Britain.

Lisa Harker, co-director of the IPPR, said: “It is more important than ever that the Government does not use the recession as an excuse to restrict the numbers of migrant workers coming to the UK. Our research shows that migrant workers are essential in key construction projects that will help boost local economies.”

The report will say that construction projects such as the Olympics will require an additional 40,000 workers a year until 2012.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:57:28 +0000 Premierul va fi nominalizat pana miercuri, confirma liderul PD-L, Emil Boc http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Premierul-va-fi-nominalizat-pana-miercuri-confirma-liderul-PD-L-Emil-Boc 09.12.2008

Nominalizarea viitorului premier ar putea fi facuta cel tarziu miercuri, a confirmat luni seara liderul PD-L, Emil Boc, adaugand ca "optiunea tuturor partidelor a fost pentru o desemnare rapida a primului-ministru".

"Cred ca desemnarea va avea loc inainte de ziua de joi, cand premierul si presedintele vor fi prezenti la Bruxelles", a spus Emil Boc.

PD-L este optimist in privinta obtinerii postului de premier: "Noi, ca partid care are cele mai multe mandate, avem speranta ca va fi nominalizat un premier din partea PD-L", a precizat Boc, adaugand insa ca la consultarile de la Cotroceni "nu s-au discutat persoane sau candidaturi" pentru aceasta functie.

"Credem ca avem avantajul politic si constitutional care ne da dreptul sa aspiram ca presedintele Romaniei va desemna un premier din partea PD-L", a intarit liderul democrat-liberalilor, adaugand ca "presedintele Traian Basescu ne-a informat ca nu vom afla numele premierului din mass media sau de la televizor".

Emil Boc a reafirmat ca pozitia PD-L a ramas neschimbata, urmand ca in cursul zilei de marti democrat-liberalii sa negocieze cu "PSD si UDMR, singurele formatiuni politice care si-au exprimat disponibilitatea pentru a da o majoritate stabila".
]]> Stiri Romania Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:55:51 +0000 Prizonieri in America. Romanii care traiesc ilegal in SUA spera ca Obama îi va rezolva cu actele http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Prizonieri-in-America.-Romanii-care-traiesc-ilegal-in-SUA-spera-ca-Obama-ii-va-rezolva-cu-actele 09.12.2008

Ionut are 35 de ani. A ajuns in America in 1999 si de opt ani lucreaza in restaurante in New York. Marius este din Sibiu iar in noiembrie s-au implinit sase ani de cand a parasit Romania pentru a trai "visul american". Maria este brasoveanca. A aterizat pe aeroportul JFK in urma cu patru ani si de-atunci a lucrat intr-un hotel, in cateva restaurante iar de cateva luni ofera lectii de yoga unor batrani multimilionari din Upper East Side. Toti trei traiesc ilegal in Statele Unite si toti trei spera ca venirea lui Barack Obama la Casa Alba le va rezolva statutul.

In cautarea visului american

Ionut are 35 de ani. A ajuns in America cu ajutorul unei firme din Cluj, careia i-a platit 3000 de dolari. Impreuna cu alti cativa romani a fost repartizat intr-o tabara de copii din Monticello, un orasel de 7000 de oameni aflat in tinutul Sullivan din statul New York. "Asta se intampla in vara lui '99. Am stat acolo trei luni de zile, facand de toate in tabara: ii invatam pe copii tenis, ajutam la bucatarie sau ii supravegheam la piscina. Cand a trebuit sa ne intoarcem in tara, patru baieti din tabara am inchiriat o masina si am plecat spre New York. Aveam vreo 2.000 de dolari castigati in tabara insa si o viza expirata in pasaport. Asa a inceput povestea mea americana", spune Ionut.

Dupa opt ani de zile, timp in care a lucrat in constructii si in restaurante, Ionut nu a reusit sa-si rezolve statutul de emigrant in America. O poveste asemanatoare are si Maria. A mers in America cu un contract de babysitter. "Am avut grija de doi copii, intr-o familie bogata din Babylon, in Long Island", spune fata. "Dupa un an de zile, familia s-a mutat insa in San Diego, tocmai pe Coasta de Vest a Americii. Eu n-am vrut sa merg cu ei si am ramas in New York. M-am angajat intr-un hotel, chiar daca n-aveam acte, iar dupa aceea am lucrat un an si jumatate in retsurante, fiindca nimeni nu mi-a cerut pasaportul la control".
]]> Stiri din Lume Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:54:23 +0000 Muncitorii romani pe primul loc in topul strainilor care lucreaza pentru Olimpiada din 2012 http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Muncitorii-romani-pe-primul-loc-in-topul-strainilor-care-lucreaza-pentru-Olimpiada-din-2012 09.12.2008

Statisticile oficiale arata ca o treime din muncitorii care lucreaza la pregatirile pentru Olimpiada de la Londra sunt straini. Nationalitatile acestora au fost facute publice in premiera in urma unei cereri din partea Evening Standard catre autoritati, in baza libertatii de informare. Din cei 3.046 muncitori din Parcul Olimpic, 63% sunt britanici si 8 procente sunt irlandezi.

Restul de 29% sunt muncitori straini, din care 14% provin din tari care nu fac parte din Uniunea Europeana. Un tabel cu topul 10 al nationalitatilor arata ca 227 de muncitori olimpici vin din Romania, India fiind urmatoarea tara care ofera forta de munca pentru JO din 2012, cu 90 de persoane. Polonia, Lituania si Nepal contribuie fiecare cu 2 procente, aproximativ 70 de muncitori.

Organizatorii spun ca nu toti pot fi numiti muncitori imigranti, dar a scos in evidenta faptul ca situl olimpic este are granite multinationale. Angajarile de la Parcul Olimpic au atras atentia dupa ce laburistul Frank Field a dezvaluit pentru Evening Standard luna trecuta ca au fost peste 20.000 de aplicatii pentru angajare, in anul precedent.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:51:16 +0000 Belgia prelungeste cu trei ani restrictiile impuse muncitorilor romani si bulgari http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Belgia-prelungeste-cu-trei-ani-restrictiile-impuse-muncitorilor-romani-si-bulgari 08.12.2008

Guvernul federal belgian a decis prelungirea cu trei ani, pana la 31 decembrie 2009, a restrictiilor pe piata muncii impuse cetatenilor din Romania si Bulgaria, informeaza un comunicat al Guvernului de la Bruxelles. "La propunerea Ministrului Muncii, Joelle Milquet, Consiliul de Ministri a aprobat proiectul care prevede prelungirea restrictiilor tranzitorii impuse muncitorilor romani si bulgari cu inca trei ani, de la 1 ianuarie 2009 pana la 31 decembrie 2011", se arata in comunicatul Guvernului.

"Guvernul va putea, prin intermediul unui ordin regal, sa intrerupa aceasta perioada inainte de 2011", precizeaza comunicatul.

Belgia a fost una dintre tarile UE care au impus restrictii de doi ani pe piata muncii cetatenilor din Romania si Bulgaria, la data aderarii celor doua state la blocul comunitar – 1 ianuarie 2007. Romanii au in prezent nevoie de un permis de munca pentru a putea lucra legal in Belgia.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:35:40 +0000 CE spune ca nu a fost informata despre majorarea taxei auto la masinile rulate http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/CE-spune-ca-nu-a-fost-informata-despre-majorarea-taxei-auto-la-masinile-rulate 08.12.2008

Purtatorul de cuvant al comisarului UE pentru Taxe si Uniune Vamala, Maria Assimakopoulou, a declarat ca masurile referitoare la majorarea de pana la trei ori a taxei pentru masinile rulate nu au fost prezentate oficial iar Comisia nu a fost informata despre acestea. Totodata, Assimakopoulou a atras atentia ca, desi au libertatea de a stabili nivelul de taxare auto, statele membre sunt obligate sa aplice principiul nediscriminarii, potrivit caruia "nu pot mari taxele pentru masinile rulate sau vechi dar nu si pentru cele noi".

"Am primit foarte multe solicitari de la jurnalisti. Nu mi-e foarte clar ce a decis Guvernul roman. Nu pot comenta deciziile care se adopta zilnic. Pana acum ele nu au fost prezentate oficial, Comisia nu a fost informata", a spus Maria Assimakopoulou vineri, intr-o conferinta de presa, raspunzand unei intrebari referitoare la reactia CE fata de decizia Guvernul;ui de a majora de pana la 3 ori taxa de poluare pentru autovehiculele rulate.

Ea s-a limitat la a repeta regulile aplicabile in materie de taxe auto, precizand ca acestea sunt "foarte simple si foarte usor de inteles pentru toata lumea".

"Nu exista armonizare legislativa la nivel european in materie de taxe auto, astfel ca statele membre isi pot stabili singure acest nivel de taxare, a celor de inregistrare sau de circulatie. Dar, toate statele trebuie sa respecte principiile de baza, printre care cel al nediscriminarii. In practica, acest lucru inseamna ca statele membre nu pot mari taxele pentru masinile rulate sau vechi dar nu si pentru cele noi. Sper ca explicatia este clara si limpede", a conchis Assimakopoulou.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:34:26 +0000 Wikipedia child image censored http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Wikipedia-child-image-censored 08.12.2008

A decision by a number of UK internet providers to block a Wikipedia page showing an image of a naked girl has angered users of the popular site. The blocked page of the online encyclopaedia shows an album cover of German heavy metal band Scorpions. nternet providers acted after online watchdog the Internet Watch Foundation warned them its picture may be illegal.

Some volunteers who run Wikipedia said it was not for the foundation to censor one of the web's most popular sites. They also argued that the image was available in a number of books and had never been ruled illegal.

But the IWF, which warns internet providers about possible images that could be linked to child abuse, said it had consulted the police before making its decision.

The foundation's list of proscribed sites is widely used by British internet service providers to filter out images showing child abuse and other illegal content.  As a result, the addition of the Scorpions Wikipedia page has made it inaccessible to the majority of British internet users.

A spokeswoman for the IWF, which lists its members as including the BBC, AOL (UK), Ask and News International, suggested as many as 95% of British users would now be unable to access the page.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:32:25 +0000 Ministrii de externe din tarile UE se pregatesc pentru Consiliul European http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Ministrii-de-externe-din-tarile-UE-se-pregatesc-pentru-Consiliul-European 08.12.2008

Ministrii europeni se intalnesc, astazi, la Bruxelles, pentru a pregati documentele pentru Consiliul European, care va avea loc peste trei zile. Ei vor discuta, potrivit Radio Romania Actualitati, despre situatia tarilor candidate la Uniune, despre Balcanii de Vest si Orientul Mijlociu.

De asemenea, seful diplomatiei europene, Javier Solana va prezenta un raport asupra Strategiei Europene de Securitate.

Potrivit unui oficial european de rang inalt, raportul ia in calcul noile provocari, precum securitatea energetica si schimbarile climatice, riscurile care decurg din criza economica si financiara, din conflicte regionale si continua proliferare a terorismului.
]]> Stiri din Lume Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:31:11 +0000 Immigrants will have to wait 10 years to claim council housing in massive benefits clampdown http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Immigrants-will-have-to-wait-10-years-to-claim-council-housing-in-massive-benefits-clampdown 08.12.2008

Immigrants will have wait up to 10 years for the right to claim UK benefits and council housing in the toughest crackdown seen for decades, it emerged last night. All legal migrants will have to serve a five year 'probationary citzienship' before being considered for a passport, immigration minister Phil Woolas said.

Those who work hard, are law-abiding and do voluntary work will be eligible for benefits one or two years afterwards. But others will have to wait another five years before they can claim any benefits at all, in order to deter migrants who see Britain as a soft touch for benefit claimants.

Mr Woolas said: 'Entitlement to benefits should be for citizens of our country, not other people. If you are a citizen you have earned the right to benefits. People must show they are here to work.'

The measures which will help to safeguard jobs for British workers during the recession, will be unveiled in a new Borders, Immigration and Citizenship bill to be published in January.

It follows the news that Afghan mother-of-seven Toorpakai Saeidi was living in a £1.2 million mansion in West London and claiminig £175,000 per year in benefits at the taxpayer's expense. 'We only need foreign workers if there is a clear skills shortage', Mr Woolas told The Sun. The minister also conceded that the Government was partly to blame for lax immigration rules.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:26:02 +0000 Pound hits new low against euro http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Pound-hits-new-low-against-euro 05.12.2008

The British pound has fallen to a historic low against the euro after a 1% cut in UK interest rates.

After a volatile day on the currency markets, the pound fell to 1.148 euros.

The UK currency also dropped against the dollar, to $1.447, the lowest level in almost seven years, before recovering to $1.465.

In July, the pound traded at more than $2, but it has lost ground as a number of economic reports forecast a particularly severe downturn in the UK.

On Thursday, the pound also hit a new low in more than 13 years against the Japanese yen.

At the same time, the euro rose slightly against the dollar, to $1.277.

The Bank of England slashed UK interest rates to 2% on Thursday, their lowest level since 1951.

However, analysts said the cut had been already priced into markets, as it was in line with expectations.

"Over the next few days the market will view this as a good move and we could see a little upside for sterling," said James Hughes, markets analyst at CMC Markets in London.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:05:44 +0000 50th anniversary of historic call http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/50th-anniversary-of-historic-call 05.12.2008

A hi-tech celebration will be held to mark the 50th anniversary of the first long-distance telephone call made without the help of an operator.

The 1958 call was made by the Queen to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh from the central telephone exchange in Bristol.

Telephone engineers involved in the historic event will use latest video-conferencing technology to recreate the call with BT staff in Edinburgh.

BT said the Queen's call was a "major milestone" in UK telecommunications.

The Queen started her call by saying: "This is the Queen speaking from Bristol. Good afternoon, my Lord Provost."

'Humble beginnings'

One of the engineers present at the time, Brian Fox, said: "It was one of the most important days ever in telecommunications history and a huge amount of work went into making sure the day went without a hitch."

David Hay, head of heritage at BT Group, said communications technology had moved on at a rapid pace since "those humble beginnings".
]]> Stiri din Lume Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:03:58 +0000 Guvernul a triplat taxa auto pentru masinile rulate http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Guvernul-a-triplat-taxa-auto-pentru-masinile-rulate 05.12.2008

Guvernul a decis, in sedinta de joi, triplarea taxei de poluare auto la achizitionarea tuturor vehiculelor second-hand de import, incepand cu 15 decembrie, si cresterea primei de casare pentru scoaterea din uz a masinilor uzate. Guvernul sustine ca prin modificarea legislatiei privind taxa pe poluare va fi sustinuta industria auto, afectata de criza financiara internationala.

"Noile reglementari majoreaza de trei ori cuantumul taxei de poluare pentru toate autovehiculele inmatriculate pentru prima data in Romania.
Ordonanta reia totodata masura adoptata deja de Guvern pentru masinile Euro 4, respectiv scutirea de la plata pentru toate autovehiculele noi inmatriculate atat in Romania, cat si in celelalte state ale UE dupa 15 decembrie 2008", a declarat purtatorul de cuvant al Guvernului, Camelia Spataru.

In urma cu aproximativ doua saptamani, Guvernul a decis scutirea obligatiei de plata, pe o perioada de peste un an a taxei pe poluare pentru autoturismele Euro IV, inmatriculate in Romania sau in alte state membre, si a caror capacitate nu depaseste 2.000 de cmc (centimetri cubi).
Actul normativ va fi trimis spre publicare la Monitorul Oficial dupa ce va primi avizul Comisiei Europene.

Executivul a mai decis
majorarea primei de casare pentru stimularea innoirii parcului auto de la 3.000 de lei noi la 3.800 lei noi (echivalentul a circa 1.000 euro), a afirmat Camelia Spataru, purtatorul de cuvant al Guvernului, la finalul sedintei de Guvern.
Guvernul a avut, astfel, in vedere sustinerea industriei auto si pastrarea locurilor de munca din acest domeniu, in aceasta perioada de criza economica internationala.
]]> Stiri Romania Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:02:52 +0000 Criza financiara mondiala: Honda renunta la Formula 1 http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-din-Lume/Criza-financiara-mondiala-Honda-renunta-la-Formula-1 05.12.2008

Al doilea constructor japonez, Honda, anunta, vineri, ca se retrage din Formula 1, din cauza crizei economice mondiale.

Anul 2008 va fi astfel ultimul sezon pentru Honda in Formula 1, a declarat presedintele Honda Motor, Takeo Fukui, in timpul unei conferinte de presa.

Honda s-a clasat pe locul 9 in acest an in randul constructorilor, cu 14 puncte acumulate, scrie AFP.

Firma nipona a anuntat, de asemenea, ca in ianuarie nu va prelungi contractele pe perioada determinata a unui numar de 760 de muncitori.

Potrivit unor surse citate de BBC Sport echipa este optimista ca isi va continua activitatea, dar nu a fost inca gasit un investitor.
]]> Stiri din Lume Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:01:35 +0000 Romania: early count shows president's party ahead http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Romania/Romania-early-count-shows-president-s-party-ahead 05.12.2008

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - The centrist party supported by Romania's president was leading in the country's parliamentary elections, according to early results Monday.

With 71 percent of votes from Sunday's elections counted the Democratic Liberal Party had about 33 percent, officials said. The leftist Social Democrats had just over 32 percent.

If those results are repeated over the entire vote, neither party would have a majority in Parliament. The future government is likely to be a coalition of two or more parties, and negotiations were already under way.

Mircea Geoana, leader of the Social Democrats, continued to insist that his party would win.

"Stay calm. We are seeing the results from the big cities. The results from the countryside will come later," he told reporters. The party has strong rural support.

The center-right Liberal Party was lying third with about 18 percent, said Election Office spokesman Marian Muhulet.

President Traian Basescu names the prime minister who then has to be validated by parliament.

The partial results showed the ethnic Hungarian party in the new parliament with more than 6 percent of votes. The ultranationalist Greater Romania Party was failing to reach the the 5 percent minimum, the results showed.
]]> Stiri Romania Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:00:12 +0000 Queen's Speech outlines new UK immigration law http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/Queen-s-Speech-outlines-new-UK-immigration-law 05.12.2008

Yesterday's Queen's Speech outlined a new Borders, Immigration and Citizenship Bill designed to alter the rules on UK immigration.

The process by which foreign nationals can gain UK citizenship is to be updated with new stipulations requiring applicants to learn English and stay on the right side of the law.
The Home Office said that a UK visa application would be hindered by failure to integrate or by committing a crime, however minor.

The new Bill also sets out rules to fast-track certain UK visa applications and work permits. Currently there is a standard five-year qualifying period for someone who applies for naturalisation. The new rules allow for flexibility according to an applicants' behaviour.

Those who are deemed to have behaved badly will have to wait longer than those who meet the Home Office's criteria for integration. The latter could be fast-tracked to British nationality.

Further changes contained in the Bill include more powers for The UK Border Agency, which will formally take on the responsibilities of customs officers and the immigration service. People serving overseas with the Armed Forces will be allowed to register their children as British.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:55:33 +0000 No sign of hard times as Queen opens Parliament http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/No-sign-of-hard-times-as-Queen-opens-Parliament 04.12.2008

LONDON (AP) — Hard times have hit Britain, but you wouldn't know it by watching Queen Elizabeth II open Parliament.

Banks are reeling, venerable retail chains are shutting down and jobs are being lost, but these harsh truths did not impinge on the most important ceremonial event of the British calendar on Wednesday.

There was the beautifully coifed queen, purple crown ablaze with nearly 3,000 diamonds, attended by ladies-in-waiting and pages. The woman who last week advised the royal family to be less flashy during an economic downturn, according to the Daily Telegraph, arrived in the horse-drawn Irish State Coach, her way cleared by a Household Cavalry escort, then ascended her golden throne to read out her government's plan..

She listed fewer legislative proposals than expected — adding to speculation that Prime Minister Gordon Brown plans to call a general election sooner rather than later — and focused on ways to protect low-income families from the impact of the economic slowdown, curb crime, and check illegal immigration.

It was an elegant game of charades, with everyone playing a role delineated by centuries of tradition.

For starters, there was the spectacle of the queen reading a speech she had no hand in preparing, announcing a government agenda she played no part in crafting because the monarch is not allowed to get involved in politics.

Then there was the way the Yeomen of the Guard, the oldest unit of the royal guards, searched the cellars of the Palace of Westminster before the queen's speech, acknowledging the Gunpowder Plot that threatened the monarchy at the opening of Parliament in 1605.

The largely ceremonial task is to make sure that no one is stockpiling explosives in the basement with an eye toward blowing up Parliament.
]]> Stiri Marea Britanie Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:08:40 +0000 UK Border Agency boosts comms team http://www.romani-online.co.uk/Stiri-Marea-Britanie/UK-Border-Agency-boosts-comms-team 04.12.2008

Debbie Porter was previously head of policy communications at the Department for International Development.

The UK Border Agency was established in April 2008 by bringing together immigration, customs and overseas visa checks to secure our border. The Government hopes that the new body will further protect the UK against illegal immigration and terrorism. As deputy director, Porter will help to shape communications and set strategy for this high profile agenda.

Porter said: ‘Advising ministers and the board, l will oversee integrated internal communications campaigns on Agency priorities and help lead wider professional community of communicators across the agency.