Dick Lugar: “I rise today to express solidarity with the people of Romania in the aftermath of the fatal floods that occurred earlier…”

“I rise today to express solidarity with the people of Romania in the aftermath of the fatal floods that occurred earlier this month. As a consequence of the heavy rainfalls that occurred in Romania from July 1 to July 17, 2005, 24 people are reported to have lost their lives, and some 800 towns and villages suffered damage to road infrastructure, farmlands, and utilities. The United States and Romania have a strong and continuing relationship. In April 2003, the Senate voted unanimously to bring Romania into NATO. It represented a vote of confidence in the Romanian people and I was honored to witness that expression of American support as chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Romania's commitment to the Alliance is evident in its active participation in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. I am hopeful that Romania will be invited to join the European Union in the near future. The United States and Romania cooperate closely in a number of areas. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, Romania has been fully supportive of the global war on terrorism. Among other actions, it contributed transport aircraft and more than 400 troops to Afghanistan. In addition, Romania permitted the use of its territory--land, airspace and seaports--for the U.S.-led military action against Iraq, and dispatched non-combat troops to the region. Romania currently has approximately 900 troops in Iraq, and approximately 500 troops in Afghanistan.…”