Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu believes that it is necessary for Romania to have a special envoy in the United States of America, both from the Presidency and from the Government, to handle communication between the two countries until the issue of changing the ambassador arises.
Ciolacu was asked if it is possible to change the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Romanian ambassador to the USA.
"I am not an expert in changing ambassadors, as it is not my prerogative. If you call an ambassador, it might be interpreted in a certain way, so there must be a prior dialogue between the Presidential Administration and the State Department, respectively with the Secretary of State, Mr. Rubio. (…)
There are some rules that we must respect. I truly believe that there needs to be a special envoy or a title found, both from the presidential institution and from the Government of Romania, finding a common person who will have this role until the issue of changing the ambassador or other changes arises," the Prime Minister said on Wednesday evening.
He specified that he discussed this issue with interim president Ilie Bolojan, and he should announce, when the time comes, which person will be designated to take on these responsibilities.
Hurezeanu is "an outstanding diplomat"
On the other hand, Ciolacu argues that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emil Hurezeanu, is "an outstanding diplomat," but the way diplomacy rules have evolved not long ago in the relationship with the United States of America has changed not only for Romania, but also for European countries.
"Clarifications (regarding the maintenance of visas for Romanian citizens traveling to the USA – editor's note) should have primarily come through the Romanian ambassador in Washington. These clarifications did not come.
Now there is also a rearrangement of the Trump administration, a different way of working, the world is changing (...) and not all institutions have started to function as traditionally.
Mr. Hurezeanu is an outstanding diplomat, let's be fair, I have never criticized Mr. Hurezeanu. An exceptional ambassador, and when his appointment was made, it was in a certain context, meanwhile all the diplomacy rules that we knew and that function in Europe do not work the same with President Trump's administration," stated Marcel Ciolacu.
He said that there is "certainly" communication between the authorities in Bucharest and those in Washington, pointing out that the Trump administration has a different approach towards Europe in general.
The Israel Model
He gave the example of Israel.
"Somehow we need to break out of our narrow circle. Israel had an ambassador in the USA for 9 years, an American citizen, Jewish, who resided in the United States but was very close to the Republicans, to the Republican family.
We also need to step out and have a more daring, more authentic approach to the times we are living in at this moment," the Prime Minister said.