Romanian Pres Fears State Money Are Placed In Bks With Problems – Sources

Romanian president Traian Basescu has invited the National Bank of Romania and the lenders’ representatives to discuss with the government on ways to limit the negative effects of the international financial crisis.

The central bank said in a statement that the president has emphasized the importance of increasing the responsibility of the financial institutions and maintaining a prudent attitude in order to protect the companies’ and population’s resources.

Basescu said that the likely recession of the world economy may affect Romania directly, if the economic policies are not prudent.

“(…) Indirect effects of the financial crisis are starting to manifest in the real economy,” the central bank statement shows.

Basescu met Friday for talks with central bank governor Mugur Isarescu and the members of the National Bank of Romania board, but also with several presidents of Romanian lenders.

The quoted source told Mediafax that the talks referred to the crisis at the European Union level and the measures that need to be adopted.

"Basescu said that the EU decisions would be compulsory, not just a recommendation,” the same source said.

On the other hand, Isarescu has told banks to continue be prudent, even if the authorities have showed willingness to support them.