The American ambassador to Romania visited Szeklerland

Index.hu writes that Hans Klemm, the ambassador of the United States to Romania visited Háromszék on Tuesday, September 12. A photo was also taken after the visit showing the ambassador holding a Szekler flag, which was given to him as a gift.

Sándor Tamás, president of the council of Kovászna County posted the photo of the ambassador to Facebook and wrote that even though flags of historical regions are allowed the flags of Szekler counties and of Szeklerland are banned in Romania.

The photo went viral and Romanian news sites started to express their disapproval about the events: one of the sites, called Hotnews, even required an official explanation from the ambassador.

Adrian Nastase, the former prime minister of Romania was banned from public affairs by court but still expressed his opinion. He said that the American ambassador should be summoned by the Foreign Ministry of Bucharest.

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Furthermore, the liberal Adevarul site called attention to the fact that the anti-corruption public prosecutor proceeded prosecution against Árpád Antal – also featured in the photo – because of a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Romanian authorities took steps: the Foreign Ministry of Romania summoned Hans Klemm, the American ambassador. They, in the end, also issued a statement acknowledging that the job description of the ambassador includes that he should personally consult the local authorities so he can get informed about the realities of the welcoming country.

However, the embassy of Bucharest highlighted that such visits have prerequisites, one of which emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and considering the existing sensitivities, thus, offending a country might be avoidable.

Photo: facebook.com/tamassandor1966

Copy editor: bm

Source: index.hu