From: msirbu@next5.cs.umr.edu (Mihai Sirbu)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.romanian
Subject: Moldova/Romania News from RFE/RL, 11/16/92
Date: 16 Nov 92 15:03:57 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri-Rolla, Missouri's Technological University

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RFE/RL Daily Report         No. 221, 16 November 1992

MOLDOVAN OFFICIALS ON ETHNIC IDENTITY, LANGUAGE POLICY.  Based on
interviews with officials of Moldova's Presidency and the
Ministries of Education and Nationality Affairs, Novoe Vremya (no.
45/1992) reports that Chisinau sees Austria's relationship with
Germany--two separate states despite the identity of language--as
the model for its own relationship with Romania in the long run.
The latest Moldovan opinion survey shows that only 9% desire
unification with Romania. Moldova's language policy emphasizes,
"along with the introduction of the Romanian state language, also
the preservation of the identity of the ethnic minorities living
in Moldova. It is precisely this multiethnic character of the
state that can, if preserved, help shape a Moldovan national
consciousness distinct from the Romanian," the officials are cited
as arguing.  (Vladimir Socor, RFE/RL, Inc.)

VACAROIU PRESENTS HIS CABINET.  On 13 November Romanian prime
minister-designate Nicolae Vacaroiu presented to a joint session
of the parliament's two chambers the list of the members of the
new cabinet and outlined the government's short-term program.  The
new cabinet has 22 members; of these, 11 belong to the Democratic
National Salvation Front and the rest are independents.  Four
ministers will have the rank of minister of state and will
coordinate activities in their respective areas.  The parliament
must yet formally approve the components of the government.
(Michael Shafir, RFE/RL, Inc.)

ROMANIAN GOVERNMENT AGREES TO LOWER GASOLINE PRICES.
Representatives of the outgoing Stolojan government and leaders of
the drivers' trade unions agreed on 14 November on a compromise
concerning the union's demand to return gasoline prices to what
they were before 22 October, Radio Bucharest reported on the same
day. The drivers had been threatening to go on general strike on
16 November if their demands are not met.  According to the
compromise, prices for premium gasoline will be reduced from 220
lei ($0.51) to 160 lei ($0.37) per liter until 1 January 1993.  A
monthly quota of 40 liters will be priced at 100 lei ($0.23) until
that date. The dual-price system will disappear on 1 January.  The
Stolojan government has yet to approve the compromise. (Michael
Shafir, RFE/RL, Inc.)

ROMANIAN DOCTORS, HEALTH WORKERS, TO STRIKE.  On 16 November
Romanian physicians and other health workers went on a nationwide
general strike of indefinite duration. Radio Bucharest carried a
communiqui released by the Sanitas trade union saying activity in
hospitals will be reduced by 60% and stations for ambulatory
treatment will close down indefinitely. Reacting to the
announcement, the government said the strike is illegal. (Michael
Shafir, RFE/RL, Inc.)

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