Romania

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Romania
Today and tomorrow
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Polonia
Germany
Ukraine
Romania
Hungary
France
Yugoslavia
Bulgaria
Spain
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(No Transcript)
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An old fortress in Suceava
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Some History

• History can be traced back to 4000 B.C.
• Used to be called Dacia
• Became a Nation in 1859
• 1947 Fell under Soviet Rule as part of the
  Communist Peoples Republic
  
• 1965 1989 Dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu comes to
  power
  
• One of the worst oppressive regimes in all of the
  Communist Bloc
  
• December 1989 Communism falls and Ceausescu is
  executed.
  

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The Orthodox Church
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Bucharest
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The countryside
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Nature in Romania
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Today

• Romania is a democratic republic
• This transformation from a Communist State has
  been a very difficult road both economically and
  socially
  
• One of the poorest countries in Central and
  Eastern Europe
  
• 47 live below the poverty line
• Inflation rate of 34.5 as of 2001
• U.S.A. 2.8

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A Brighter Tomorrow?

• Most Romanians a very skeptical of such hope
• Economy still quite unstable
• BUT
• On the waiting list to enter the European Union.
• Hopes to get in by 2006 or 2007
• Accepted into North Atlantic Trade Organization
  (NATO) Summer Spring 2002

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Romania and the Iraqi Controversy

• Very strong diplomatic relations with Iraq under
  Ceaucescu
  
• These have deteriorated
• Expelled 5 Iraqi diplomats under U.S. pressure
• Suspected of being spies
• Signed letter with 10 other Eastern European
  countries in support of US Position

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Romania
USA
France

• In the past, especially during its communist
  era, Romania had always enjoyed good relations
  with France.
  
• Quick facts Most tourists attractions have
  offered information in French. It is common that
  students learn the language in school.
  
• Since the fall of communism in 1989, Romania has
  been tried to separate itself from Russia.
  

• Has attempted this by strengthening U.S.
  relations.
  
• Quick facts English now competes with French at
  tourist attractions and in school

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Romanian-French Tensions Grow

• Due to Romanias unfettered support of the US
  position in Iraq, tensions between these two
  European Countries have increased greatly.
  
• The only country of Central and Eastern Europe
  renowned for its attachment to France has swapped
  the Gallic cockerel for the American eagle -Le
  Monde

• In response to signing the Eastern European
  declaration of support in the US-led war in Iraq,
  French President Jacques Chirac warned
  
• If they wanted to diminish their chances of
  joining Europe they could not have found a better
  way - CNN.com

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Why should we care about Romanias Support?

• The future of E.U.-U.S. relations may depend on
  countries like Romania.
  
• While the US it is loosing favor with some
  important EU countries (i.e. Germany and France)
  it finds a lot of support in what it labels the
  new Europe
• Although Romania is currently still only in
  membership discussions, many other
  post-communist bloc countries are set to enter
  the EU in 2004. See full story

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About this Presentation

• Created by Joshua Greve
• Information thanks to
• CNN online
• BBC International online
• Le Monde (the main source for BBCs article)
• Photos
• Associated Press
• Personal stock ?

Thank you!