Romanian President Clears Out Issue On Recent Illegal Phone Tapping Allegations

Romanian President Traian Basescu said Monday evening on national television that, as far as he knows, Romania has no background of illegal phone tapping whatsoever and rejected the recent statements of his former adviser Claudiu Saftoiu, alleging they talked about the contents of phone conservations between two prominent political leaders.

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"With respect to Mr. Saftoiu’s statements, I can only say I have never had this type of conversation with him. I really do not know how and why he came up with that, considering he soon dismissed any such statement and I can guarantee you that, as far as I know, Romania has no background of illegal phone tapping whatsoever. I have seen transcripts of phone conversations when I received the files of ministers who needed the president’s approval on related matters and I voiced out my opinion on the matter at the time," Basescu.

The head of state highlighted that the presidential office does not receive transcripts of phone conversations, adding they only get into the hands of those who request them, namely prosecutors’ offices or police departments.

Asked if he can guarantee, as head of state, that no phone tapping is operated in Romania, expect for cases tried in court, Basescu assured the law would be observed.

"It is not the president who can offer such guarantees, but the law itself,” said Basescu.

The president referred to article 3 of the law regulating the storage of personal data, which stipulates that this law does not touch the contents of the communications, nor any information provided while using an electronic communications network.

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