Romania Hails ‘Hero’ Diplomat Killed in Afghan Terror Attack

Romanian leaders have paid tribute to the 43-year-old Romanian diplomat killed in Kabul in a suspected Taliban terror attack on the compound that hosts the embassy in Afghanistan.

Another Romanian embassy staffer was seriously injured in the attack, which started on Monday night and lasted several hours. He was expected to be transported to Europe to receive specialized treatment for his injuries.

Some media reports from Afghanistan put at more than 30 the death toll of the attack at the Green Village fortified compound that hosts the Romanian embassy as well as some foreign contractors and security companies.

"The Romanian diplomat who died defending the embassy headquarters is a true hero, who deserves our full recognition for his supreme sacrifice," Interior Minister Miahi Fifor said on Facebook on Wednesday, confirming his diplomatic status.

The Prime Minister, Viorica Dancila, condemned the attack in a message posted on her Facebook page. "This atrociously cruel action in which various foreign citizens have been killed and more than 100 people have been injured doesn't shake our determination and doesn't dissuade us from our commitment, together with our international partners, in the battle against terrorism," she said.

With over 750 troops deployed on the ground, Romania is, after the US, the UK, Germany and Italy, the largest contributor to the NATO-led peace keeping mission in Afghanistan.

Speaking on Romanian news channel Antena 3 last night, Romania's Foreign Minister, Ramona Manescu, explained that the attack was carried out with car bombs and machine guns, "as Taliban terrorists usually act". Manescu also said the murdered Romanian representative was part of the security structure of the embassy and was 43...