NEWS OF THE DAY - AUGUST 27

*President Traian Basescu sent a message to his Moldovan counterpart Nicolae Timofti on the Republic of Moldova Independence Day on Wednesday, stating that Moldovans' European aspirations, prosperity and true friendship will be his soul project.
'The Republic of Moldova, its European aspiration and the prosperity of its citizens, to which we are bonded by a long history and especially by a true friendship, will always be my soul project. I am glad this year's anniversary is held in a very important period for the future of the Republic of Moldova, and I once again salute all the efforts of authorities in Chisinau, which managed to reach, over the past months, the major objectives in the process of getting closer to Europe, thus answering a collective aspiration,' the President's message reads, as quoted in a release of the Presidential Administration.

*Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Wednesday sent a message on the occasion of marking the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova, underscoring that it is for the first time when the neighbouring country marks this event as a state associated to the EU.
"Now, the future of the Republic of Moldova is closely linked to Europe, and the country can enjoy the European identity to which our common history, culture and values entitle it," the prime minister wrote on his Facebook page.

*Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Gabriel Oprea in Chisinau on Wednesday had a meeting with Republic of Moldova Interior Minister Dorin Recean, during which the Romanian official reiterated the constant support Romania grants to the neighbour country in the process of modernising the state institutions and of increasing the citizens' security.
According to an Interior Ministry (MAI) release...