Romanian president calls on politicians to refrain from stirring up tension with Italy

    BUCHAREST, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Romanian President Traian Basescu called on the Romanian political class on Sunday to show the utmost responsibility and to refrain from making any statements that might create tense ties with Italy.

    "I assure all the Romanians who are honestly working in Italy of my solidarity and the fact that, at least now, the Romanian state will make its duty to them," said Basescu in a statement.

    Four Romanians were taken to hospital after being attacked in Rome in the car park of a supermarket on Friday evening by a group of 10 Italians having their faces covered with stocking masks.

    The attack came after the murderous act committed on Oct. 30 by the Gypsy-born Romanian citizen Romulus Mailat. An Italian woman Giovanna Reggiani died later, shocking the press and public in Italy.

    Basescu requested the Foreign Ministry to start as soon as possible the procedures for the opening of new consulates in Italy, in order to cover the need of Romanian nationals for consular aid.

    "In my capacity as head of the Romanian state, I reprove any breach of law. Any crime has to be punished." he said.

    "I condemn any violence targeting Romanian nationals, as well as any speeches fomenting to the non-observance of Romanians' civil rights, irrespective where they are on the soil of the European Union," the president said.

    According to Basescu, in the case of the incidents that occurred in Italy, the responsibility falls on both sides, Romanians and Italians alike.

    "I call on the state institutions to assume their responsibilities and ensure a good cooperation with the Italian institutions and with the Italian Government," said Basescu.