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US warns of security risks amid concerns over Russian interference in Romanian presidential elections
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US warns of security risks amid concerns over Russian interference in Romanian presidential elections

The US State Department has expressed concern following a report from the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) of Romania alleging Russian involvement in cyber activities aimed at undermining the integrity of the Romanian electoral process. In a press release published on December 4, he also warned of the security and economic risks in this context.

In the press releaseUS State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said: “We are closely following the elections in Romania. It is the choice of the Romanian people whom they elect, and the United States does not interfere in this choice or this process. We are concerned that the report of the Romanian Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) on Russian involvement in malicious cyber activities aimed at influencing the integrity of the Romanian electoral process should be thoroughly investigated in order to guarantee the integrity of the Romanian electoral process.

Miller also highlighted Romania’s strategic role as a NATO ally and European Union partner, highlighting the progress Romania has made in consolidating its place within the transatlantic community.

“Romania’s hard-won progress, anchored in the transatlantic community, cannot be reversed by foreign actors seeking to divert Romania’s foreign policy away from its Western alliances. Such a change would have serious negative consequences for U.S. security cooperation with Romania, while a decision to restrict foreign investment would discourage U.S. companies from continuing to invest in Romania,” the press release read.

The US State Department also reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations, citing progress in defense collaboration, economic partnerships and measures to facilitate visa-free travel.

“We will continue to work together to preserve the security of our nations and the prosperity and well-being of our citizens,” the statement concluded.

On Wednesday, December 4, the Romanian presidential administration published declassified reports from the intelligence services (SRI, SIE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) and the Special Telecommunications Services (STS), alleging illegal foreign financing in the far-right campaign. presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. The documents were made available to the Superior Council of National Defense (CSAT), which met on November 28following Georgescu’s surprising victory in the first round of the presidential elections.

Documents made public on December 4 suggest that pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu received undeclared external funding and involved state actors in his campaign, which mainly took place online on the TikTok platform.

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(Photo source: Cateyeperspective/Dreamstime.com)