| NEWS ARCHIVES |
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| Romanian Embassy replies to MFA |
| 23 Feb 2010 |
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The Romanian Embassy has responded to Singapore Foreign Ministry’s requests regarding the traffic accidents involving the Embassy's vehicle.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry says the Romanian Embassy has acceded to its request to let Romanian embassy staff Marius Trusca give evidence at the coroner’s inquiry next month.
Dr Silviu Ionescu has been identified as the driver in two hit-and-run accidents last December 15 involving the embassy car.
One man, Tong Kok Wai, died.
Two others were injured.
It added that "Mr Trusca will assist the State Coroner in establishing the true circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Tong".
The Romanian Embassy also confirmed that the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed Dr Silviu Ionescu about MFA’s request that he attend the coroner’s inquiry.
It added that Dr Ionescu was told to give Singapore authorities details of the identity of the witness whom he claimed could exonerate him.
The Romanian Embassy stated that "The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspended its labour relationship with Dr Ionescu during the period of criminal investigations undertaken by the Romanian authorities".
Thus, it cannot compel Dr Ionescu to observe a certain line of conduct.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly dissociates itself from Dr Ionescu’s statements made after his employment contract was suspended and that his statements "do not represent the position of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
It added that the Romanian authorities would "give due consideration" to MFA’s request for more information on the status of the criminal proceedings in Romania against Dr Ionescu.
It added that "a detailed answer will be soon provided." |