THE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

PRESS RELEASE
 

regarding the Participation by Mr. ION ILIESCU, President of Romania,

in the Celebration of the Anniversary of the Foreign Intelligence Service

The day of February 8th has a particular meaning for the Foreign Intelligence Service as, 13 years ago, under Decree no.111/1990 issued by the Council of the National Salvation Front, the Centre of Foreign Intelligence was reorganized as a state-owned institution authorized to carry out foreign intelligence activities. The present name of the Service appeared, for the first time, in Law no. 39 on December 13th, 1990, concerning the setting up, organization and functioning of the Country’s Supreme Defence Council.

This year, the anniversary moment was celebrated on February 11th, with the participation of Mr. Ion Iliescu, President of Romania, and the members of the Parliamentary Commission for Overseeing the activity of SIE, within a meeting with the Head and the command of the institution, held at the SIE Headquarters. 

After thanking the Head of State and the distinguished guests for the honour of having accepted the invitation to participate in this event, the Director of SIE, Dr. Gheorghe Fulga, has outlined the stages undergone by the Foreign Intelligence Service during the wide-ranging process of institutional reform, based on redefining the Service’s concepts and strategies and on their harmonization with the values of democracy and rule of law.

The Director of SIE has highlighted that, at present, the Service he is heading is a modern institution, fully aligned with the new coordinates of the Romanian society, capable of contributing to safeguarding and promoting the fundamental interests of Romania, in compliance with the responsibilities it was vested with by law.

The Head of State has emphasized the positive results obtained by SIE during its activity, as well as the professionalism evinced in sometimes sensitive situations, of the highest importance for the national security.

Moreover, starting from the complex developments within the international climate, earmarked by the Iraqi crisis, the President of Romania has pointed out the need to further improve the activity of the Service, including diversifying the partnership with similar services in the allied states.

In the context, the Head of State has highlighted the priorities of SIE’s activity, namely, identifying and countering the external risks and threats to national security, with explicit reference to terrorism, illegal human trafficking, and cross-border organized crime. 

While expressing his confidence that the Foreign Intelligence Service will continue to act in order to ever better fulfil the tasks incumbent on it, the Head of State availed himself of this anniversary moment to convey his congratulations to all the staff of the institution.

                    THE PRESS OFFICE
OF THE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SERVICE

Issued on February 11, 2003

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