Foreign Secretary David MilibandAP Photo
The British Government will make a decision on keeping or lifting restrictions currently applied to Romanian and Bulgarian workers at the end of this year, Foreign Secretary David Miliband says in an interview for HotNews.ro.
The British minister says he will discuss Romania’s fresh foreign policy strategy with his Romanian counterpart on Tuesday and defends the Ahtisaari plan for the future of Kosovo unless renewed talks on the issue fail to provide a new compromise.
Miliband arrives in Romania on Tuesday in his first visit to SE Europe since his appointment in June. David Miliband will meet President Traian Basescu, Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and Foreign Minister Adrian Cioroianu, and will also address the annual gathering of Romanian ambassadors.
One of the highlights of the visit will be a debate with students dedicated to globalisation issues such as climate change, a top priority for the UK.
HotNews.ro: What is the image British authorities have formed of Romania's new 10-year foreign policy strategy?
David Miliband: We consider Romania a close partner, and are pleased to have the opportunity to work with Romania in international fora such as NATO and the European Union, on issues as varied as Iraq, climate change and the fight against organised crime.
I haven’t had a chance to read the 10-year foreign policy strategy yet, but I am looking forward to discuss the main elements with my colleague Mr. Cioroianu later today.
HotNews.ro: What is the position of Britain towards the extremely cautious position Romania and other countries in the region have adopted towards Kosovo independence plans?
David Miliband: I recognise that Kosovo is a sensitive issue.
But the EU as a whole has consistently given strong mess
