U.S. Embassy to Bucharest, Romania | Newsletter (February 2008)

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U.S. Embassy Newsletter

Activities and events from across the US Mission in Bucharest

Volume 1, Issue 2, 2008

Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman

Dear Friends,

These early Spring days have afforded us a glorious start to a busy few months.

February’s visit by the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State on Human Trafficking allowed us to draw attention to the serious and growing global problem of trafficking in persons - a form of modern-day slavery.

This past month we welcomed nearly 40 new Peace Corps Volunteers to Romania. They are hard at work preparing for their assignments with Romanian government organizations and non-governmental organizations.

As the summer approaches, many Romanian students hope to travel to the U.S. to work during the holidays. Vice Consul Heather Steil spoke with some of these young Romanians via an Internet webchat.

As the presidential primary races tighten, our U.S. election coverage continues with more digital video conferences in our eight American Corners.

On the cultural side, the dynamic a capella group UNIVERSES and a masterful photographic collection “Rodeo in the US” vied for Romanians’ attention in February.

Finally, the IN FOCUS section of this Newsletter spotlights U.S. perspectives on the upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest. The Embassy is now fully engaged in supporting our delegation to the Summit, which promises to be the largest in NATO history. As part of our support, in March we will be hosting a series of digital video conferences on NATO themes.

If you have comments or questions about the Newsletter or other Embassy activities, please send them to InfoBuch@state.gov.

Ambassador Taubman

Ambassador Lagon interviewed after NGO press conference. Bucharest, February 12, 2008. (Lucian Crusoveanu/ PDO)

Senior Advisor on Trafficking in Persons highlights US concerns
Ambassador Mark Lagon, Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State on Human Trafficking visited Romania to discuss trafficking in persons (TIP) with officials from the Government of Romania and local NGOs. During Ambassador Lagon's 3-day visit (February 11-13), met with representatives of Romanian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Daniel. He thanked the Romanian Orthodox Church for being a powerful ally in the movement to end human trafficking and for opposing the idea of legalizing prostitution.

Members of Naval Marine Construction Battalion 40 farewell their Romanian friends. Feb. 4 2008. (SPC Feeney Patrick)

Anchors Aweigh! U.S. Navy Seabee Unit leaves Romania
In a ceremony on Feb. 11 at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base the members of Naval Marine Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 said good-bye to the many friends they have made during their six-month tour of duty in Romania. During their stay in Constanta County the Seabees did extensive renovation work at the Constanta County Dermatology Clinic and also volunteered at the Placement Center “Orizont”. The NCMB 40 Seabees will rotate back to Port Hueneme, Calif. They will be replaced by NCMB 74, also known as the “Fearless 74”, a Seabee unit from Gulfport, Mississippi that specializes in contingency construction, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Ambassador Taubman (L) and Oana Popescu (R) from daily Cotidianul. Feb. 15, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu / PDO)

Ambassador Taubman (L) and
Oana Popescu (R) from daily Cotidianul. Feb. 15, 2008 (L. Crusoveanu / PDO)

Road Show Successes Lead Ambassador's Comments On Opportunities For US Investment In Romania
Daily Cotidianul carried a lengthy interview with Ambassador Taubman on February 18, focused on recent Ambassadorial Road Show in which he discussed opportunities for U.S. investment in Romania. The Ambassador cited investments already present in Romania such as those by Ford, Bechtel, and Smithfield. The article highlighted the services provided by the US Commercial Service in Bucharest. The interview with the Ambassador was also featured on the business TV station, The Money Channel.

UNIVERSES’ Gamal Abdel Chasten performs in Bucharest. Feb. 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/ PDO)

UNIVERSES’ Gamal Abdel Chasten performs in Bucharest. Feb. 14, 2008 (L. Crusoveanu / PDO)

Young Romanians "Slammed" by New York A Capella Group
From the capital city to the Black Sea coast, UNIVERSES "slammed" audiences with their skillful and powerful performances. The group -- a four-person hip-hop fusion ensemble from New York City -- draws on slam poetry, hip hop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz and Spanish bolero to create a unique performance. In Bucharest, Ploiesti and Constanta from February 13-15, UNIVERSES performed a cappella for and with Romanian students from three art high schools in addition to their public performances. Under the guidance of UNIVERSES’ four members, enthusiast students tried their hand (and throats and feet) at creating their own musical combinations of voices and rhythm.

New Volunteers join Peace Corps Romania
On February 21, the United States Peace Corps welcomed 37 new Volunteers to Romania. The Volunteers will participate in a 10 -week program in Ploiesti, during which time they will study Romanian language, history, culture, and technical components necessary for their future jobs and life with a Romanian family. Upon completion of their training program, the Volunteers will begin 24 -month service commitments with Romanian government organizations and non-governmental organizations. Volunteers will assist Romanian efforts in environmental awareness, social services and economic development.

Vice Consul Steil answers questions by Prima TV on Summer Work & Travel Program (Lucian Crusoveanu /PDO)

Vice Consul Steil answers questions by Prima TV on Summer Work & Travel Program (L. Crusoveanu /PDO)

(Web)Chatting Up The Summer Work And Travel Program
During an online webchat, Vice Consul Heather Steil answered questions from students in Romania about the Summer Work & Travel (SWT) program, which allows university students to spend their summer vacation working and traveling in the United States. In 2007, over 5,000 Romanian university students took part in this popular program. During the February 26 webchat, Heather offered details about the SWT including who is qualified to participate, rules & regulations, how to apply, and the visa interview. Many students studying in Romania and abroad submitted questions and the webchat generated interest from Prima TV which also interviewed Heather.

A child playing with the Romanian flag at the opening of the Rodeo Exhibit in Bacau.

Rodeo Exhibit Opens the 600 Anniversary of the City of Bacau
The photographic collection “Rodeo in the US,” opened at the International Center for Arts and Culture “Gheorghe Apostu” in Bacau, in the presence of county and city officials, education and cultural figures of the city, students and media representatives. Cultural Affaires Officer Kathleen Kavalec opened the exhibit speaking about the historic roots of today’s Rodeo shows in the U.S. The guests also enjoyed a surprise moment offered by a group of pupils from the National College of Art in Bacau, who sang various country music songs, including the famous “Oh, Susana”, very popular among young children in Romania.

Bucharest Prepares for the NATO Summit
U.S. Embassy staff in Romania is now fully engaged in supporting the American delegation to the upcoming NATO summit in Bucharest (April 2 – 4) which will be the largest NATO summit to-date. Heads of state and other government leaders from all 26 NATO allies, as well as of 23 partner countries, including Russia, will attend. The U.S. delegation to the Summit is expected to include President Bush, Secretary Rice and Secretary Gates. This summit is not only large but comes at a critical time for the alliance. Key issues likely to be discussed will be the ISAF mission and progress in Afghanistan, Kosovo independence and peace and stability in the Balkans, NATO-Russia relations, and NATO enlargement.

Ambassador
Press Releases
Joint Task Force – East
U.S. Forces in Romania

Visas to the U.S.
Visa Application Forms
Visa F.A.Q.

Fulbright Commission
Information Resource Center
Teachers Resource Center
Meet the USA

This Newsletter is produced by the Public Diplomacy Office of the United States Embassy in Romania. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. To unsubscribe, send a message to infobuch@state.gov with “UNSUSCRIBE” in the Subject line.


U.S. Embassy Newsletter Activities and events from across the US Mission in Bucharest Volume 1, Issue 2, 2008

Dear Friends, These early Spring days have afforded us a glorious start to a busy few months. February’s visit by the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State on Human Trafficking allowed us to draw attention to the serious and growing global problem of trafficking in persons - a form of modern-day slavery. This past month we welcomed nearly 40 new Peace Corps Volunteers to Romania. They are hard at work preparing for their assignments with Romanian government organizations and non-governmental organizations. As the summer approaches, many Romanian students hope to travel to the U.S. to work during the holidays. Vice Consul Heather Steil spoke with some of these young Romanians via an Internet webchat. As the presidential primary races tighten, our U.S. election coverage continues with more digital video conferences in our eight American Corners. On the cultural side, the dynamic a capella group UNIVERSES and a masterful photographic collection “Rodeo in the US” vied for Romanians’ attention in February. Finally, the IN FOCUS section of this Newsletter spotlights U.S. perspectives on the upcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest. The Embassy is now fully engaged in supporting our delegation to the Summit, which promises to be the largest in NATO history. As part of our support, in March we will be hosting a series of digital video conferences on NATO themes. If you have comments or questions about the Newsletter or other Embassy activities, please send them to InfoBuch@state.gov. Ambassador Taubman

Ambassador Lagon interviewed after NGO press conference. Bucharest, February 12, 2008. (Lucian Crusoveanu/ PDO)	Senior Advisor on Trafficking in Persons highlights US concerns Ambassador Mark Lagon, Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State on Human Trafficking visited Romania to discuss trafficking in persons (TIP) with officials from the Government of Romania and local NGOs. During Ambassador Lagon's 3-day visit (February 11-13), met with representatives of Romanian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Daniel. He thanked the Romanian Orthodox Church for being a powerful ally in the movement to end human trafficking and for opposing the idea of legalizing prostitution. READ MORE
Members of Naval Marine Construction Battalion 40 farewell their Romanian friends. Feb. 4 2008. (SPC Feeney Patrick)	Anchors Aweigh! U.S. Navy Seabee Unit leaves Romania In a ceremony on Feb. 11 at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base the members of Naval Marine Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 said good-bye to the many friends they have made during their six-month tour of duty in Romania. During their stay in Constanta County the Seabees did extensive renovation work at the Constanta County Dermatology Clinic and also volunteered at the Placement Center “Orizont”. The NCMB 40 Seabees will rotate back to Port Hueneme, Calif. They will be replaced by NCMB 74, also known as the “Fearless 74”, a Seabee unit from Gulfport, Mississippi that specializes in contingency construction, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. READ MORE
Ambassador Taubman (L) and Oana Popescu (R) from daily Cotidianul. Feb. 15, 2008 (L. Crusoveanu / PDO)	Road Show Successes Lead Ambassador's Comments On Opportunities For US Investment In Romania Daily Cotidianul carried a lengthy interview with Ambassador Taubman on February 18, focused on recent Ambassadorial Road Show in which he discussed opportunities for U.S. investment in Romania. The Ambassador cited investments already present in Romania such as those by Ford, Bechtel, and Smithfield. The article highlighted the services provided by the US Commercial Service in Bucharest. The interview with the Ambassador was also featured on the business TV station, The Money Channel. READ MORE
UNIVERSES’ Gamal Abdel Chasten performs in Bucharest. Feb. 14, 2008 (L. Crusoveanu / PDO)	Young Romanians "Slammed" by New York A Capella Group From the capital city to the Black Sea coast, UNIVERSES "slammed" audiences with their skillful and powerful performances. The group -- a four-person hip-hop fusion ensemble from New York City -- draws on slam poetry, hip hop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz and Spanish bolero to create a unique performance. In Bucharest, Ploiesti and Constanta from February 13-15, UNIVERSES performed a cappella for and with Romanian students from three art high schools in addition to their public performances. Under the guidance of UNIVERSES’ four members, enthusiast students tried their hand (and throats and feet) at creating their own musical combinations of voices and rhythm. READ MORE
	New Volunteers join Peace Corps Romania On February 21, the United States Peace Corps welcomed 37 new Volunteers to Romania. The Volunteers will participate in a 10 -week program in Ploiesti, during which time they will study Romanian language, history, culture, and technical components necessary for their future jobs and life with a Romanian family. Upon completion of their training program, the Volunteers will begin 24 -month service commitments with Romanian government organizations and non-governmental organizations. Volunteers will assist Romanian efforts in environmental awareness, social services and economic development. READ MORE
Vice Consul Steil answers questions by Prima TV on Summer Work & Travel Program (L. Crusoveanu /PDO)	(Web)Chatting Up The Summer Work And Travel Program During an online webchat, Vice Consul Heather Steil answered questions from students in Romania about the Summer Work & Travel (SWT) program, which allows university students to spend their summer vacation working and traveling in the United States. In 2007, over 5,000 Romanian university students took part in this popular program. During the February 26 webchat, Heather offered details about the SWT including who is qualified to participate, rules & regulations, how to apply, and the visa interview. Many students studying in Romania and abroad submitted questions and the webchat generated interest from Prima TV which also interviewed Heather. READ MORE
A child playing with the Romanian flag at the opening of the Rodeo Exhibit in Bacau.	Rodeo Exhibit Opens the 600 Anniversary of the City of Bacau The photographic collection “Rodeo in the US,” opened at the International Center for Arts and Culture “Gheorghe Apostu” in Bacau, in the presence of county and city officials, education and cultural figures of the city, students and media representatives. Cultural Affaires Officer Kathleen Kavalec opened the exhibit speaking about the historic roots of today’s Rodeo shows in the U.S. The guests also enjoyed a surprise moment offered by a group of pupils from the National College of Art in Bacau, who sang various country music songs, including the famous “Oh, Susana”, very popular among young children in Romania. READ MORE

	Bucharest Prepares for the NATO Summit U.S. Embassy staff in Romania is now fully engaged in supporting the American delegation to the upcoming NATO summit in Bucharest (April 2 – 4) which will be the largest NATO summit to-date. Heads of state and other government leaders from all 26 NATO allies, as well as of 23 partner countries, including Russia, will attend. The U.S. delegation to the Summit is expected to include President Bush, Secretary Rice and Secretary Gates. This summit is not only large but comes at a critical time for the alliance. Key issues likely to be discussed will be the ISAF mission and progress in Afghanistan, Kosovo independence and peace and stability in the Balkans, NATO-Russia relations, and NATO enlargement. READ MORE

Ambassador Press Releases Joint Task Force – East U.S. Forces in Romania	Visas to the U.S. Visa Application Forms Visa F.A.Q.	Fulbright Commission Information Resource Center Teachers Resource Center Meet the USA
This Newsletter is produced by the Public Diplomacy Office of the United States Embassy in Romania. Links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein. To unsubscribe, send a message to infobuch@state.gov with “UNSUSCRIBE” in the Subject line.