16 September 2021

Morning headlines – September 16th 2021

Florin Jipa

Image source: Mediafax

Coronavirus and vaccines

  • Vaccination in Romania: In the last 24 hours, more than 10.000 people got vaccinated. Totally, more than 5.3 million people got the vaccine, with more than 5.2 getting both doses.
  • Coronavirus in Romania: In the last 24 hours, there were recorded 4.404 new SARS CoV-2 cases, 83 deaths, and in ICU there are now 696 people hospitalized.
  • Mandatory vaccination for doctors, professors and soldiers. Raed Arafat has stated, on Wednesday, on a TV channel, that for these categories of employees the mandatory vaccination may be required or weekly testing, but on their own costs. (Mediafax)

Global political and military events

  • US, strategic alliance with Australia and the United Kingdom to counter China. The United States have announced, on Wednesday, an alliance with Australia and the United Kingdom to counter China. During the partnership, called AUKUS, they will share the most advanced military technology, and the United States will deliver sensitive equipment, including nuclear submarines and Tomahawk missiles to Australia. (AP)
  • China reacted to the AUKUS pact. Chinese officials have reacted after the strategic partnership of Australia, UK and the US by which Australia will get nuclear submarines. The Chinese ambassador to Washington DS, Liu Pnegyu, has accused the three countries for having `cold war mentality`. Experts in the field foresee new Chinese economic sanctions on Australia. (Daily Mail)
  • French soldiers killed the ISIS leaders from Africa. Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, the ISIS leaders from the SAHEL region, was killed by the French military, according to an announcement Macron did. The terrorist was wanted by the US as well, which put a reward worth of 4 million dollars on his head, after several attacks from Niger. (AFP)
  • Taiwan increases the defence budget with 9 billion dollars. The Taiwanese military authorities have announced, on Wednesday, the increase of the defence budget with 8.7 billion dollars, in the following 5 years, to acquire military equipment necessary to counter the threats coming from China. (Reuters)
  • The UN Secretary General: it is a fantasy to think the UN can solve the problems in Afghanistan. The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has stated, on Wednesday, that it is a fantasy to think the UN can solve the problems in Afghanistan and convince the Taliban to respect the human rights. (Reuters)
  • North Korea has launched ballistic missiles placed on a train. North Korea has announced, on Thursday, that it launched, on Wednesday, for the first time, ballistic missiles from a train, hitting targets which were 800 km away. The local media has stated that the armed forces have created a missile regiment placed on a train, which are always moving in mountain areas. (AP)

Romania’s security and defence

  • Protest of military reservists at the Government. SCMD / CNSC, the Federation of Trade Unions of Railway Transporters in Romania (FSTFR), the Union for the Unit of Employees CFR Călători (SUS CFR Călători), the Union of Trade Unions in CFR Hospitals (USS-CFR) and SN "Forţa Legii" organize a protest rally in front of the Government, at 10:30, in Victoriei Square. (Mediafax)
  • The situation of the Ukrainian aircrafts carrying traffic cigarettes, discussed within the SCND (Supreme Council of National Defence). Prime-minister Florin Citu has stated that he proposed a discussion in the SCND on the traffickers’ aircrafts that keep entering Romania without being detected. Citu also said he discussed with the minister of defence about additional resources. (Digi24)
  • YoutTube is blocking the official account of Romania’s Senate. The YouTube channel of Romania’s Senate was blocked by company’s representatives, after the statements of Diana Sosoaca, who is an anti-vaxxer. On this specific page of the Superior Chamber of Romania’s Parliament no more live sessions will be streamed. (Digi24)
  • RCC wil announce when censure of motion’s deadline is. The Romanian Constitutional Court will announce, on Thursday, when will take place the debate on prime-minister’s Florin Citu notification on a juridical conflict between the Parliament and the Government on the USR PLUS and AUR censure of motion. (Agerpress)