Two organizations of American parents who have adopted Romanian children have joined CORA. The two groups are: "Nobody’s Children" out of New Hampshire and "Save the Children S.O.S." located in Connecticut. Romanian Satellite Television featured in our last newsletter has also joined CORA. Welcome all!

J.D. Crouch, II went to Romania in July as Ambassador. Michael Guest completed his three year tour of duty and was decorated by the President of Romania on June 23rd at the Cotroceni Palace. He was awarded the "Order for Special Service in Rank of Grand Cross."

Ambassador Crouch is a "political appointee", selected by President Bush. CORA representatives met privately with the Ambassador and discussed about political corruption, U.S. investment, adoption and other interests important to Romanian-Americans and the U.S.

During his Senate Confirmation Hearing on April 22, 2004, Senator Joseph Biden asked several questions of Ambassador-candidate Crouch. Questions touched on the Ambassador’s feelings about the importance of the role of government in the lives of Americans, his involvement in the formulation of Iraq policy and his involvement in the Defense Department’s controversial Office of Special Plans.

A reception, honoring Ambassador Crouch, was hosted by Romanian Ambassador, Sorin Ducaru. He was introduced by Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, and described in very favorable terms. Among the attendees were Ambassadors Funderburk, Moses and Rosapepe.

Dr. Jack Dyer Crouch II was until recently Associate Professor of Defense & Strategic Studies at Southwest Missouri State University.

Dr. Crouch was confirmed by the Senate on August 1, 2001 and sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy on August 6, 2001, and served in that position until October 31, 2003. He was the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on the formulation and coordination of policy for NATO, Europe, Russia, the Central Asian Republics, the Caucuses and the Balkans, nuclear forces, missile defense, technology security policy, counter-proliferation, and arms control.

From 1993 to 2001, Dr. Crouch was Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He is also co founder of PalmGear.com, the Internet’s leading source of Palm OS software.

As part of his public service through Southwest Missouri State, Dr. Crouch served as a reserve deputy sheriff in Christian County, Missouri, and a member of a multi-county Special Response Team. He also served on the Board of Editors of Comparative Strategy and was a member of the Board of Advisors of the Center for Security Policy.

From 1990 to 1992, Dr. Crouch was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy in the first Bush Administration. From 1986 to 1990, he was the Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Malcolm Wallop (R-Wyoming) and served as the Senator’s staff designee on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

From 1984 to 1986, he worked for the Assistant Director for Strategic Programs in the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and was an advisor to the U.S. Delegation on Nuclear and Space Arms Talks with the former Soviet Union.

Dr. Crouch holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Southern California. He has written on a wide range of defense and foreign policy issues. He lives with his wife, Kristin Crouch, and their two children, Lara and Jake, in McLean, Virginia.

The flags of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Slovenia were raised on April 2nd at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, marking the admission of these countries to NATO. The number of NATO members was thus increased to 26. Their admission became official earlier in the week in Washington on March 29, 2004 when the Prime Ministers of the seven new member states presented the protocols of accession to the United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

CORA requested a meeting between the Romanian Prime Minister and leaders of the Romanian American community. It was held early in the day, on March 29th. Armand Scala, CORA President, moderated the meeting. Topics covered included restitution of properties, international adoptions, the investment environment in Romania and corruption. Questions and answers "off the record" occurred. Archbishops Nathaniel and Nicolae, among other members of CORA’s Board, were in attendance.

The seven Prime Ministers of the new member states attended a formal ceremony at the White House on March 29th where they were received by President George W. Bush, members of his Cabinet and Congress, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other officials and dignitaries. Among those participating was NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who greeted some two thousand participants attending the White House ceremony of the South lawn of the White House.

Romania was represented by its Prime Minister, Adrian Năstase. Noting that NATO is strengthened by the admission of the seven new member states, President Bush emphasized the historical significance of the admission of the new members to NATO: "As witness to some of the great crimes of the last century, our new members bring moral clarity to the purposes of the Alliance. They understand our cause in Afghanistan and in Iraq, because tyranny for them is still a fresh memory. These nations know that when great democracies fail to confront danger, far worse peril can follow."

Other participants at the ceremony included Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice, as well as Senators John Warner and Majority Leader Bill Frist. The Prime Ministers of Croatia, Macedonia and Albania also participated in the White House ceremony, representing countries awaiting admission to NATO at some future date.

Following the White House event, a news conference with the Prime Ministers was held at the National Press Club. Celebrations were concluded with a gala reception at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), of which CORA is a member, representing 18 national organizations and 13 ethnic communities in the U.S. cooperated with the embassies of the new NATO member states in organizing the event.

Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, delivered the keynote address at the reception, at which there were some 1000 participants. The Premiers of the "Vilnius 10" countries, along with other delegation members and representatives of the CEEC and CORA joined Secretary Rumsfeld on the marble staircase in the grand hall of the Gallery.

CORA has supported NATO enlargement’s inclusion of Romania, and warmly welcomes it. CORA expresses its gratitude to all Romanian Americans who worked for Romania’s inclusion in NATO.

Following accolades regarding Romania’s invitation into NATO on March 29, 2004, Damon Wilson, whose responsibilities encompass 22 countries, including helping to manage the European members of the Coalition in Iraq, listed a three-fold priority framework regarding the U.S. Government’s focus on Romania. First, internal domestic issues (or the micro-tier), focus on the commitments that Romania has made to its NATO candidacy and European Union accession. Damon Wilson expressed most concern in this category due to the ongoing need for reform and the ever-present corruption concerns internally. Second, regional issues (or the middle-tier) focus on Romania’s role, strength, and future leadership in the region. Mr. Wilson expressed special attentiveness to the role of Romania in relation to Serbia. Third, global issues (or the macro-tier) engage Romania’s NATO membership in international challenges and results in Romanian troops overseas (i.e. Iraq or Afghanistan). For example, how does the bilateral relationship of the United States and Romania promote global security?

Following initial introductions, Armand Scala expressed immediate concern over Romania’s 2004 election year and lack of viable opposition in Romania. Damon Wilson acknowledged the concern, but noted the strength of Romania’s democratic institutions and track record. Mr. Wilson commented, "We don’t get involved in the domestic politics of Romania [or any of these countries], but we share your [CORA’s] interest in a vibrant democratic society and election." Armand Scala followed up this assessment by asking about the involvement and participation of National Democratic Institute (NDI) or International Republican Institute (IRI) in the grass roots election process. Mr. Wilson had no specific information about the funding or planning of the National Democratic Institute or the International Republican Institute, and could not comment on their precise involvement at this time. Mr. Scala put it on his radar screen to assess for the future. Mr. Scala concluded this part of the discussion by expressing CORA’s concern that everyone is boarding one political party (the PSD).

Damon Wilson informed CORA that, in line with U.S. government policy toward the region, U.S. government assistance to Romania would continue to decrease. According to Wilson, the U.S. government is "graduating these countries from these programs" in recognition of the progress achieved. Romania’s focus had been to prepare for NATO Enlargement. He felt that Romania’s focus now would shift to its accession to the European Union. Mr. Scala made it known that there were sectors in Romania that required more U.S. foreign assistance, health care being one of them, but not the only one.

Mr. Wilson commented on recent US visits by two Romanian opposition leaders, Theodor Stolojan, who visited with Damon Wilson and Dan Fried April 20, and Emil Constantinescu, who visited with Damon Wilson on April 23. Vadim Tudor also was mentioned. Wilson sees some similarities between Romania’s upcoming elections and the recent Slovak elections. He noted that constituencies exist for nationalistic groups in both of these countries.

Mr. Wilson next discussed issues of corruption and bribery in Romania, which are critical issues to tackle, especially in the context of Romania’s EU candidacy. Adrian Năstase and Mircea Geoană went to Brussels to address EU concerns. Damon Wilson emphasized that words must be turned into action, and that he expects Romanian leaders to "take the lead" in fighting corruption within the country. Armand Scala asked that our government put pressure on Romania regarding internal reform. "They respond to this pressure", he said.

Regarding the economic situation in Romania, Mr. Wilson, who began this White House position in January, was candid. While noting the importance of trade and investment to our bilateral relationship, he was less up on it, "I welcome hearing your feedback." Gabe Ivănescu suggested encouraging more U.S. business involvement in Romania, not just large U.S. businesses, but moderate sized and small businesses, as well.

Armand Scala referred to CORA’s unsolicited proposal to USAID, which is focused on U.S. business participation in Romania.

He mentioned John Klipper and his organization, the American Romanian Enterprise Fund (AREF), as a possible participant in the project. Mr. Wilson referred to other countries of the region that have made promising economic transitions (i.e, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Estonia). He singled out Bulgaria as a country that is getting its economic act together. Weaving this topic into his second tier of the middle regional issues, Wilson described Romania as a significant country in Southeast Europe and declared, "We want them be a leader in Southeast Europe. We want them to present themselves as an example regionally."

The remaining few minutes of discussion were dedicated to the EU issue of intervention in Romania’s domestic affairs of international adoption determinations. Armand remarked that the lack of certain provisions in the legislation is "just appalling." The U.S. government has underscored the serious concerns regarding the proposed legislation. At the same time, the U.S. government is raising this issue with the EU to underscore to Romania that, in our view, it is not U.S. vs. Europe. Tina Goldstone interjected that European Union Baroness Nicholson holds a prejudice against the Roma and their potential infiltration into Central / Western Europe. She emphasized that 173 Romanian children who anticipated being adopted in the United States had proceedings immobilized by the Baroness. Ms. Goldstone warned that the foster care remedy in Romania is an ill-fated, financially driven motivator in Romania. Ms. Goldstone emphasized that it is imperative to Romania now that a viable political opposition in that country and the U.S. government should emphasize of democratic initiatives regarding Romania.

Armand Scala closed by asking for an update regarding the new U.S. Ambassador’s confirmation sent to the Senate. We closed with CORA repeating its opposition to the decreased U.S. funding for Romania.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty sponsored a presentation by a Hungarian American leader/lobbyist on the issue of Restitution of Religious Properties in Romania. The presentation reviewed the experiences of the different minority religions in recovering the properties they felt were taken from them by the Communist regime. The presentation was not accusatory. One could conclude however, that difficulties experienced by the claimants resulted from the association of the Romanian Government and the Orthodox Church in that country.

Some in the audience suggested that the Church’s problems with the government with regard to property restitution is little, or no, different from those experienced by many others.

A summary of a press release issued by the Orthodox Synod of Timişoara in 2002 was presented. It concerned the experience of the Uniate (Catholic) and Orthodox Faithful with regard to properties. In general, it concluded that Orthodox Christians were forced to become Catholic in 1700. In 1948, forced by the Communist government, the Catholic Christians essentially were forced to return to Orthodoxy. Approximately 1,600,000 returned to Orthodoxy in that year. Today, approximately 250,000 declare themselves Catholic. That press release can be found on the CORA website under "Orthodox Synod of Timişoara 2002."

Jay Katzen, President of the Foundation, was appointed by President Bush to a major position in the U.S. Peace Corp, and has left the Foundation’s leadership. Congratulations to Jay, the Foundation thanks you.

Since October of last year, approximately $200,000 has been raised for the purpose of dedicating the Victims of Communism Memorial in 2004. Twelve Romanian-American entities committed themselves to the goal of raising $25,000 (a complete list appears in our last newsletter). Of these, the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America and CORA have fulfilled their commitment. Those remaining are urged to move quickly to honor their pledge. The Foundation is waiting for the "matching" funds". A special thanks is offered to the Iuliu Maniu Society and Mihai Popovici of Texas, for their unsolicited and generous support.

Hearings, etc. will begin on July 29^th having to do with public participation on the design and location of the memorial. It is anticipated that construction will be completed by July or August of 2005.

The Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce Leadership Council met in New York on June 30, 2004. Membership in the Leadership Council consists of the officers, Corporate Council, Chapter Presidents and Managing Director.

Attendees included: Mark Meyer – Chairman; Jay McCrensky - Managing Director; Marian Pârjol - Deputy Consul General, NY; Gabe Ivănescu - President, Washington Chapter; Len Judes – President, Bucharest Chapter; Richard Ornitz – Chairman, Infrastructure Council; Armand Scala - Executive Committee; Relu Stan - President, Chicago Chapter; Elias Wexler - President, New York Chapter; Ioan Dahman - Corporate Council; David Kahan - Corporate Council; Daniela Fenick – RACC; Maja Dragic - Coudert Brothers. Not present: Svetlana Schreiber, President, Cleveland Chapter; Michael Costache, President, LA Chapter; George Svedu, President, Philadelphia Chapter.

In the introductory general discussion, lead by Armand Scala, the participants shared perspectives on key benefits the RACC could provide that are beyond current programs and services, particularly benefits through the new chapters. Enhanced networking, direct advice, and credibility were major themes.

Richard Ornitz suggested that the RACC establish, develop and manage a new seed capital investment fund to assist start up and emerging Romanian-American joint ventures. The concept met with general approval and interest by the participants. Richard agreed to follow up by mapping out the concept and identifying possible sources of investment capital to initiate the fund. The fund might be divided into such specialty funds as Romanian Private Infrastructure, Import - Export, and Real Estate.

Elias Wexler suggested that the RACC add a resume exchange capability on the RACC Web site, perhaps as a part of the Opportunity Bulletin Board. He agreed to coordinate the resume submission and inquiry process.

The attending chapter presidents presented reports on plans for their chapters. Gabe Ivănescu noted plans to organize a membership development conference in conjunction with the July visit of Prime Minister Năstase to Washington. Gabe emphasized the topics of investment and outsourcing as a key theme for the chapter activities and the July meeting.

Len Judes, newly appointed representative of the RACC in Romania, recognized the need to clearly differentiate RACC from the AMCHAM in Bucharest. RACC would complement the AMCHAM, an association of American companies and executives in Bucharest, as an association serving primarily Romanian companies with commercial ties to American companies. RACC will provide complementary memberships to AMCHAM members and coordinate/cosponsor all activities in Romania.

Relu Stan, newly appointed president of the Chicago chapter, is organizing his steering committee and may sponsor a kick off event in the fall, possibly in conjunction with a visiting delegation of Romanian companies or visiting high level Romanian official.

Daniela Fenick reported on ground work she is performing as follow up to an idea ventured by Cleveland Chapter President, Svetlana Schreiber to establish an RACC mediation and arbitration service. On the mediation front she has made significant progress by recruiting the interest and support of a leading mediation expert, Mr. Charles (Chips) Lickson, who stands ready to offer and train mediators.

Ioan Dahman noted the damage to the RACC reputation that was brought to his attention in Romania from unauthorized use of confusingly similar name by an unaffiliated entrepreneur in Oregon. Steps have been taken by the RACC to enjoin the Oregon company from using the name Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce. Ioan also reported on plans for a Sacramento/Northern California chapter if there is enough interest for a steering committee.

For questions or expression of interest in becoming a chapter president or steering committee member please contact Jay McCrensky at (301) 656-9022 or at jmccrensky@aol.com.

Hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation, this working group was established to closely examine how a "strategic partnership" can be developed between the U.S. and Romania. It will examine the security and political challenges facing both countries in the years ahead. Romania’s relations with the EU and the U.S. must be assessed.

The agenda of the first meeting on April 27, 2004 included, but was not limited to, the following: NATO expansion, EU enlargement, international terrorist threats, cross-border organized crime, Black Sea security, regional stability, Russian assertiveness, Moldova and Ukraine.

Among a prestigious group of attendees were: Sorin Ducaru, Romanian Ambassador to the U.S; Armand Scala, CORA; Alex Şerban; Eliot Sorel, MD; and Vladimir Tismăneanu, PhD. The next meeting is scheduled for mid-October, in Washington, DC.

Chapter IV / Section 1
General provisions

Art. 39. – The international adoption of the child whose domicile is in Romania may only be approved in case the adopter or one of the spouses in the adopting family who have the domicile abroad is the grandparent of the child for whom the petition for internal adoption initiation has been approved.

Art. 40. – (1) The petition for adoption approval is forwarded by the Office to the court of law.
(2) The court will then rule, in accordance with the present law, only after analyzing the department’s report concerning the existence of any similar petitions from relatives up to the 4th degree, who have the domicile in Romania.

Art. 41. – International adoption has the outcomes stipulated under art. 50-53 and infers the transfer of the child to the territory of the receiving state, following the approval of the adoption by the Romanian court of law.

Art. 42. – International adoption, in case the adoptee have the domicile abroad, and the adopter or the adopting family have the domicile in Romania, is subject to the provisions stipulated under art. 30 – 33 of Law no. 105/1992 on regulating the private international law relations.

For the past two years I have been waiting for our daughter, Natasha, to come home. As I reread the new law signed by President Iliescu, again and again, I am filled with sadness for Natasha, my family, and the orphaned children of Romania.

In October 1999, my mother and I volunteered at Orphanage #5 in Bucharest. I'll never forget the outstretched arms of the children crying, "mama, mama" desperate for love and comfort. We couldn't possible give them everything they needed during our visit, but we did bring 93 boxes filled with bedding, toys, clothing and furniture. Our goal was to make this institution more like a home for hundreds of abandoned children. We worked endless hours and surpassed our own expectations. Our true joy came from watching the children in their new beds with handmade quilts and seeing them play with toys they never knew existed.

My Mom and I left Bucharest knowing that we had made a small difference in the lives of these children, but saddened that their childhood would likely be filled with memories of loneliness.

From this experience my life was forever changed and my husband and I were back in Romania eight months later to bring our son Iain home. Our little boy's spirit inspired our entire family to reach out to the Romanian people. Iain's Uncle sent over rehabilitation equipment and created a room in Orphanage #5 called "Iain's Room." Iain's Room is available for children who require rehabilitation and/or physical therapy. Our family will always give back to Romania, as Romania has given so much to us.

Because of the joy that Iain has brought to our family, we began the process to adopt Natasha. Although I do not know when I will bring our daughter home, I will continue to meet with politicians, government officials and the media. It is crucial that the Romanian government honor their commitment to the placement of children worldwide. I will strive for this because I know firsthand what Natasha's fate will be if I do not speak for her and the other thousands of voiceless children. I am not willing to accept that Natasha's future will be anywhere but the comfort of my loving arms.

For the Children – SOS is an organization composed of adoptive parents and concerned parties who are united in their concern for the welfare of orphaned Romanian children, and orphaned children in Europe who will now be unfairly and seriously impacted by the recently signed Romanian government legislation banning international adoption with the exception being biological grandparents. With full understanding of Romania’s current position with European Union negotiations, For the Children - SOS is profoundly concerned by the recent proclamations by Romania's EU rapporteur to enforce this legislation on other countries that currently allow international adoption. For the Children - SOS will continue to lobby the American and Romanian governments to allow adoptions that were pending at the time the legislation was signed to be processed, and for revisions in the laws to again allow inter-country adoption. Our organization will also continue to lobby the EU government to respect the Hague Treaty, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, and UNICEF positions that all children deserve a permanent home and that inter-country adoption is preferred over long-term foster care and institutionalization.

Returning from Romania on June 27, 2004, brings with it mixed emotions of sadness and glad feelings. I have been traveling to Romania consistently since 1997. Reach to Romania, Inc. was incorporated in 2001 to positively impact the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged children of Romania. Visiting Romania and working with institutionalized children is my passion. Because of family and other commitments, I visit Romania just twice a year.

This trip was quite like many others, working with the 10-18 yr. old institutionalized children, and yet it was very different, visiting a state-run baby orphanage with 100 residents between 0-3 yrs. old. Our program consists of going to state-run institutions and providing songs, Bible stories, crafts, and games. The favorite activity that we do is Polaroid photos. The kids get a kick out of seeing their image emerge right before their eyes. A photo of themselves is a precious gift. This is their very own keepsake. No one will steel it from them or trade it for goods on the black market, it’s theirs.

This June we visited two "case de copii" (orphanages) and a center for special needs children. The special needs center had two family units. It is a new facility funded by the EU. The director was proud to show us how well the children have improved in just one year. Her concern was that after 3 years the EU support would be finished and this center will need to be funded by Romania and possibly NGOs.

Also, we had the remarkable opportunity to visit one of the state-run baby orphanages. The team that accompanied me consisted of two women from Minnesota, one lady who is of Romanian heritage, and a young college grad.

After receiving clearance to visit the baby orphanage, a young Romanian, who volunteers in various ways to help children, escorted us to the "casa." The director met us at the gate and we began the tour. It was early afternoon and the toddlers were napping after a walk in the central park. We peered through the window of a room full of cute little ones sprawled on their beds all in a row. All 12 or 13 were very still. Then we saw another room full of the same. There was also a play room with a staff member and two toddlers playing.

I asked the director how many children are adopted from here in a year and she said about 20%. We walked across the courtyard to the other white building and climbed the stairs. The director said, "You can go in for just a few moments." At the end of the hall was a large room full of cribs and 26 beautiful babies. We walked softly into the room that had large windows on one side. There were mobiles and stuffed animals in the cribs. The babies didn’t make a sound. I spied one of the babies standing with a two teeth grin and sparkle in his eyes. As I approached, he reached towards me persistently. I looked at the director to ask permission to hold him. She nodded and said for 2 minutes. My team followed suit and we were carefully rocking and cooing as we held the babies in our arms.

As I kissed this sweet child on the back of the head, I prayed that God would bless him. I gently placed him in the crib. As we exited, they all began to cry. It broke my heart to see his tears as we left the room. I prayed that he would be adopted into a loving family. I prayed that he would not have to grow up in a building full of children without parents. I prayed that hearts would be turned to recognize that an institution is an institution. This is not a place for children to grow and bloom. We have seen the results of the legacy of institutionalized children. It is not a pretty picture. Let us pray that this legacy is broken once and for all.

In May-June 2004, I visited again Romania. The reason was to see my Mother, the few relatives and friends I still have there and to spend time in the village of my ancestors, Borlovenii-Vechi, Banat. I also did some research regarding sources about the Romanian-Americans in Romanian libraries and archives. It was a fruitful and useful time. I spent time in Bucharest, Braşov and Borloveni. In other words, I had the opportunity to see the Capital, an important city from Transylvania (if not the most important one) and a village in Banat. The period coincided with the local elections (for mayors).

What I can say is that the general progress is obvious. The streets are cleaner, the services are better and the attitude of the active people is more positive. I would not say that things are perfect, but to deny it would amount to bad faith.

The progress could be measured, among others, through the fact that the living standards of the population are much higher (vacations are spent by many abroad; the quality of the food on the tables, improved, etc.). In the meantime, the preponderance of a market economy took its toll. The net of social services diminished and the differences of income are bigger and obvious. There are people who live in desperate poverty, especially the retirees who rely, as source of income, solely on their pensions. As a matter of habit, however, the Romanians have a certain tendency to complain more than the situation requires.

The population is still very interested and active in the political life but ceased to be obsessed with it, a sign that the civil society is stronger. The local elections were a defeat and a warning for the present administration and that, again, is a strong indication that the democracy works.

In conclusion, I would say that, in my opinion, Romania is moving forward and there are strong indications it will become a normal European country.

The fourth edition of the Romanian American Yellow Pages is free, except for a shipping and handling charge of $2.50. This last edition has 468 pages, social and cultural content, an illustrated almanac of Romania (in color and black and white) and a chapter on business opportunities in Romania. There are over 6000 listings of government and private institutions and businesses in Romania and America in this last edition. The Pages were published by the Center Focus Publishing, a department of Romanian American Network, publisher Steven Bonică. To order your copy please contact: