site.btaBucharest Sets Up Task Force after Escalation in Middle East

Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a crisis task force in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to a statement sent by the Ministry sent to the media Saturday.

The unit will coordinate consular assistance and determine the best ways to support Romanian citizens abroad affected by the deteriorating security situation.

A meeting of the task force was held in Bucharest Saturday evening, attended by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu. During the session, officials held a videoconference with the heads of Romania’s diplomatic missions in Israel, Palestine, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

At present, no Romanian citizens have been reported harmed in the region and no requests for repatriation from Iran have been received, the ministry said.

Romania’s diplomatic missions and consular offices in the region are in contact with around 1,000 Romanian citizens, with priority given to minors and families with children.

In light of the evolving security situation and its regional and global impact - including on commercial flights - the ministry advised Romanians planning to travel abroad to consider reported disruptions to international air traffic, particularly in transit hubs. Given the dynamic situation, it recommended carefully assessing the necessity of travel and postponing trips if possible until security conditions improve and flights resume normal operations.

Romanians already abroad and affected by flight cancellations are advised to stay in contact with airlines or travel agencies and to notify the nearest Romanian diplomatic mission or consular office. The ministry noted that the ability of diplomatic and consular services to intervene in force majeure situations is limited, depending on local authorities’ guidance and the rapidly changing circumstances.