MFA Spokesman's Comments on the proposed visit by Romanian Representatives of the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG)

In response to media queries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman said that on 24 May 2010, the Romanian Embassy in Singapore informed the Ministry and the Singapore Attorney-General's Chambers that the Romanian representatives to the JTWG would be visiting Singapore from 26-29 May 2010 and would like to interview a list of witnesses related to the case of Dr Silviu Ionescu.

Singapore's Special Envoy to Romania, Ambassador Anil Kumar Nayar spoke with the Romanian Foreign Ministry's Secretary of State Doru Costea on 24 May 2010 and informed him that Singapore was ready to accommodate the visit by the Romanian officials, despite the very short notice given by the Romanian side. Special Envoy Nayar also explained to Secretary of State Costea that 28 May 2010 would be a religious public holiday in Singapore (Vesak Day). As such, the Romanian officials would have only one working day to carry out the requested hearing with the available witnesses. Special Envoy Nayar stressed to Secretary of State Costea that the Romanian representatives were welcome to visit during the scheduled dates of 26-29 May 2010, but that they should be prepared to stay for a longer period of time.

Secretary of State Costea indicated that he would follow up with the Romanian Prosecutor's Office accordingly.

The Ministry has also sent a TPN to the Romanian Foreign Ministry requesting urgent confirmation of the dates of the visit in order to facilitate the work of the Romanian officials in Singapore. The Ministry is still waiting for a response from the Romanian side.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
24 MAY 2010