Titus Corlăţean has announced his resignation a while ago from the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"MFA has taken all measures to support the organization in good condition of the second round of the presidential elections," Titus Corlatean assured, noting that the ministry he led maintained its position that there was no legal grounds for the creation of new polling stations abroad in the 2nd round.
Corlatean said that on the night of Friday to Saturday at 23.58, the MFA received by fax a statement from BEC whereby it was stated that there was no legal impediment for the organization of new polling stations. He said that the earlier decision of BEC, a legally binding document did not contain the specification in the statement and that the statement had no legal force.
Corlatean explained that he decided to resign from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, because he could not accept to break the law on grounds of political interests.
"As Minister, I am bound to assure together with the Foreign Ministry team that the law is observed, but also to preserve the image and prestige of the MFA institution. Therefore, I have informed a little while ago the Prime Minister of Romania and now I am informing you that I have decided to submit my resignation as Minister of Foreign Affairs, " Titus Corlatean said.
"I cannot accept to break the law. I cannot accept that the institution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should break the law and legality on the grounds of electoral political interests of Mr. Basescu and Iohannis and I cannot accept to provide reasons for contesting the presidential election runoff on considerations of illegality by establishing new polling stations abroad, "he added.
After the first elections round, the Foreign Ministry was deeply criticized for the faulty organization of elections in the diaspora.
Last week in Bucharest and in several cities of the country there were protests against the way the vote was organized abroad in the first round of the presidential elections, the rallies also had an with anti-government character.
Initial news:
Foreign Minister, Titus Corţean, will announce Monday his resignation, official sources claim.
"Some might consider it a very brave gesture and at the same time very risky," said journalist Radu Tudor.