Romanian Pres Willing To Work With PM On Justice Minister Issue

Turcan also said, in a statement issued Tuesday, that the Prime Minister did not initiate any procedure for consultations with the president on the appointment of a justice minister, as demanded through Decision no. 356/2007 of the Constitutional Court.

Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu did not forward any proposition for the vacant position of justice minister, Turcan adds.

In addition, according to Turcan, Basescu feels that the replacement of the defense minister would create confusion on an internal and external level and damage Romania’s image in the context of preparations for the NATO summit in April, in Bucharest.

Basescu informed Tariceanu, by phone, that he would not accept the dismissal of Teodor Melescanu from the position of defense minister, according to official sources.

Liberal party leaders agreed on appointing Melescanu for the position of justice minister and senator Radu Stroe for that of defense minister.