Iohannis: A century from Marasesti Battle, Romania is powerful state its allies can rely on

President Klaus Iohannis on Sunday said that Romania is a strong state, "a pillar of stability in the region," a century after the Battle of Marasesti. 

"The historical triumph at Marasesti, together with the victories at Marasti and Oituz, saved our statehood, gave us the dignity of being as a nation and rekindled hope in the Greater Union. One century now from then, Romania is a strong state on which its allies and partners can rely, a stability and security pillar in this region, and this is largely due to the Romanian Armed Forces," Iohannis said in a speech to a Marasesti Battle centennial event on Sunday. 

He mentioned that for more than 70 years, Europe has been living "the longest period without armed conflicts" and said that this is due to the existence of the European Union, of which Romania has been a member for ten years. 

"Through the dramas and totalitarianisms that soiled it in blood, the 20th century shows us that freedom, democracy and peace are not obtained and are not preserved without a constant and continuous commitment of each generation in favor of humanist values underpinning the European civilisation. For over 70 years, we have lived the longest period of no armed conflicts in the history of our continent, due to the existence of the European Union, a project of which Romania has been a member for ten years. The second half of the 20th century shows us that peace can only be maintained through European integration. At a time when the values of the European Union are being attacked by populism and demagoguery, the commemoration of World War I brings the strongest argument in favour of the European project: peace!," said Iohannis. 

The President also called for a strengthening of the European construction "for the future of the next generations". 

"I am calling on you, in the deepest expression of honouring the past, to unite our energies to make the European project a solid construction for the future of the next generations. We will thus ensure the consolidation of democracy, prosperity and security on our continent. Romania's active involvement in this process, including by drafting a country project, is also Romania's concrete commitment to the development and progress. The most valuable appreciation we can share for the sacrifice of the Greater Union generation is to take responsibility in our turn for building a strong Romania that is confident in its journey," said Iohannis.

Agerpres.