On Thursday, March 13, 2008, The Congress of Romanian Americans (CORA), along with the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), comprised of 19 national organizations representing more than 22 million Americans, discussed a range of policy issues with presidential candidate Senator John McCain’s advisors, Randy Scheunemann, Director of Foreign Policy and National Security, and Stephen Biegun. Senator McCain's National Coalitions Director Aaron Manaigo also participated at the meeting. Armand Scala, President of the Congress of Romanian Americans, organized the meeting and acted as moderator.

The meeting began with remarks from both advisors, focusing on Senator McCain’s over 20 years of foreign policy experience and his support for the new democracies in Europe. Of the 13 ancestral countries of CEEC members, Senator McCain has visited all but one. He regrets in particular the slowing of initiatives in that region due to fears of distressing the Russian government. Senator McCain believes that the West needs to do more to stand up to Moscow and hold her accountable for both internal and external actions, while at the same time continuing to work with her in areas of mutual interest. He also supports enhancing transatlantic relationships in order to put a sounder Russia policy into place, and is visiting London and Paris next week to further those relationships. Senator McCain is also considering the formation of a new “League of Democracies” to unite countries with shared values that may be able to act in areas where the United Nations has been unable to act, due in part to the positions of undemocratic countries.

The discussion focused on key areas of concern for the CEEC, including Russia’s actions in the region, energy security and diversification, NATO enlargement, the missile shield, and the visa waiver program. Senator McCain supports continued NATO enlargement, and is concerned that a pause in progress could be detrimental to continued expansion. Mr. Scheunemann voiced Senator McCain’s concern over Russia’s use of energy for political leverage, and his support for the development of a common energy policy with Europe to avoid Russian monopolization of energy provisions to Europe. Senator McCain believes that this important issue is a matter of national security for the United States.

Also, as President, Senator McCain would continue the deployment of the missile shield in Eastern Europe, and, understanding the security concerns of the countries involved, would be responsive to their needs. A retreat from the building of the missile defense in Europe, which is a common U.S.-Europe defense, would encourage Russia, and discourage our allies. Mr. Scheunemann voiced support for just signed bilateral agreements between the U.S. and the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Latvia regarding visa waivers, despite the desire of the European Union, whose older members have such waivers, to broker all such agreements (other countries, including Slovakia and Hungary are also expected to sign similar agreements shortly). Senator McCain is committed to finding a solution to the visa issue.

Of the meeting, Armand Scala stated that “the two responders were very thorough in their replies,” and that “the CEEC is looking forward to further meetings and discussions with Senator McCain and his team.”

Today, representatives of the 19 member organizations of the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) met with Anthony Lake, Ph.D., senior foreign policy advisor for Senator Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. Joining Dr. Lake, and facilitating the meeting, was Mark Brzezinski, also a well-known foreign policy expert. In his opening remarks, Anthony Lake touched on many important issues of concern to the member organizations of the CEEC, and discussed the reasons for his support for Obama.

CORA’s President, Armand Scala, opened the questions on behalf of the Coalition. The subject was Russia: imperialism, blackmailing, democratic dissolution in Russia, and Russian-US relations. On behalf of CORA, its members included Dorin “Gabe” Ivanescu, Dr. Peter Nicholson and Christina Regule.

Among the topics of discussion were NATO enlargement (especially in light of the upcoming Bucharest Summit in April 2008); the backsliding of democratic trends in the Russian Federation; and the Visa Waiver issue. In regards to NATO, Lake clearly stated that the enlargement process “reinforces democracy in all nations of Europe,” and brings all European nations together. Anthony Lake described the process itself as “not just of strategic importance [to the United States], but of morality, as well.”

Russia’s recent trend of more authoritarian control also sparked a few comments from Lake. Having expressed concern for the current government policies of President Vladimir Putin, Lake stressed, “We must engage them [the Russians] on issues of mutual interest and concern, but at the same time broaden our relations with the Russian people, not just the Russian government.”

Lake also expressed support for expanding the Visa Waiver Program to five additional countries in Central and East Europe, as it pertains to Senate Bill S.342, which has been supported by Senator Obama. In addition, Senator Obama’s statement in support of congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution, as well as support for Ukraine’s commitment to join NATO, were referenced and made available to the CEEC participants.

“The countries of the CEEC enjoy strong bonds and alliances with various government officials,” stated Michael Sawkiw, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. “This meeting afforded the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest and we look forward to working closely with policymakers in Washington on these key issues.”

The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) is comprised of 19 national membership organizations that represent more than 22 million Americans who can trace their heritage to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

On Wednesday, February 27, 2008, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), comprised of 19 national organizations representing more than 22 million Americans who can trace their heritage to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, discussed a range of policy issues with presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton’s advisor, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Also present at the meeting was Lee Feinstein, Senator Clinton’s campaign National Security Director.

CORA’s President, Armand Scala, opened the questions on behalf of the Coalition. The subject was Russia: imperialism, blackmailing, democratic dissolution in Russia and Russian-US relations. On behalf of CORA, its attending members included Dorin “Gabe” Ivanescu, Dr. Peter Nicholson and Christina Regule.

The meeting focused on key areas of concern for the CEEC, including Russia’s actions in the region, energy security and diversification, NATO enlargement, immigration and the visa waiver program, re-affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as other human rights issues.

Secretary Albright noted Senator Clinton’s long record of support for the countries of the region and pointed to the challenges that America and our allies face. Recognizing the strong bonds that exist between the democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, Albright announced Hillary Clinton’s plan to extend the visa-waiver program, in which Clinton stated, “our central and eastern European friends are first-class allies. Americans whose families hail from these countries should not be treated as second-class citizens.”

Albright also expressed confidence that Senator Clinton would continue to advance issues of concern to the Coalition and also confirmed her support of Hillary Clinton’s recent statement calling for congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution.

Albright thanked the CEEC for its important work and urged the group to remain engaged on the issues.

“We appreciate Senator Clinton’s commitment to these critical issues as demonstrated by her support for fair treatment with respect to the visa-waiver program,” stated Nino Japaridze of the Georgian Association in the U.S. “We will continue our active engagement on these important policy matters.”

Following the highlights of the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Congress of Romanian Americans held November 17-19, 2005 in Washington, DC.

A dinner reception for out-of-town early arrivals was held at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Armand Scala on Thursday night.

On Friday morning, the first formal meeting was held in the beautiful "Indian Treaty Room" at the White House. The Special Assistant to the President and Director for Europe and Eurasia for the National Security Council discusses the very positive external Romanian Government - US relationship.

Mark Meyer, CORA Vice President and Chairman of the Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce spoke on Corruption, Restitution of Proprieties and the Business Climate in Romania.

A factual presentation of the Romanian economic situation was presented. A statistical comparison between the year 200 and the year 2005 showed very positive economic gains in that country. Gross Domestic Product at 1.6% in 200 is estimated at 5.7% in 2005. Unemployment was at 10.5% in 2000 and is estimated to be at 6% for 2005. And inflation at 45.7% in 2000 is estimated this year to be 7.5%.

Dr. Vladimir Tismăneanu presented a brilliant analysis of Romania's political history since 1990. Dr. Charles King presented Moldova and its recent history, its people and relations between Romania, Russia and Transnistria.

Romanian Ambassador Sorin Ducaru addresses the dinner attendees.

On Saturday many U.S. organizations now helping the people in Romania made presentations. Their work for and with the Romanian people has been tremendously helpful. Discusses on this last day of the meeting was the plight of Americans in their attempts to adopt Romanian children. IN addition, immigration issues and policies were presented by very competent Romanian American attorney who specializes exclusively in immigration law.

Feedback from those who attended the CORA meeting this year was enthusiastic and positive.

I found the CORA meeting (a 'first' experience for me), both delightful and informative. The speakers were excellent and my host, Armand Scala, knows how to steer a ship. I have recommended that my company do business in Romania. F. Lee Bailey
Chairman of the Board and CEO, Impac USA
Director, Impac International and Impac University

This year 2005, I attended my first CORA meeting. My first impression was of CORA's heterogeneous character. CORA members are as diverse as the country in which the organization resides. A spattering of the attendees: students, experienced businessmen, a nationally renowned lawyer, a professional basketball player, an Archbishop, a passionate advocate for Romania's orphans, the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, professors from universities, new inquirers and others. It became quickly evident that CORA was not so much a meeting of Romanians as it was a meeting of those working with and for Romania, whatever their background or interest. My second impression was that of accessibility. The cost of attending a CORA meeting was by no means prohibitive, and yet, what was gained was an opportunity for informal and open discussion amongst attendees. For those seeking broader knowledge and more extensive contact with others involved with Romania here in the United States., be it for business, research, charity or whatever, CORA is a resource which should not be overlooked.
Hierodeacon Calinic (Berger), Ph.D.
Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America

Thank you so much once again for making possible my dream, attending the CORA Congress! IT was a very interesting and enlightening experience for me - as a Romanian, I learned so many new things about Romania...
Ioan Cotârlă, MD
Ph.D. candidate, Georgetown University
Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Following a gala dinner at host Armand Scala's house, a group of about 50 academics, business people and NGO representatives were brought up to date on the status of American-Romanian relations, Romanian politics and business environment and NGO projects. Among the highlights were a National Security Council briefing at the White House, a Mark Meyer presentation on doing business in Romania, the problem of corruption and the status of propriety redemption, as well as addresses by Ambassador Ducaru, Professors Vladimir Tismăneanu and Charles Kink along with several spokespeople calling for Romania to alter its adoption practices. In conclusion, Scala led a discussion as to how CORA could best influence the government in Bucharest.
Joseph Harrington, Ph.D.
Society for Romanian Studies

CORA members attended many of the activities associated with the visit of Romania's President Trian Băsescu to Washington, DC. Board members attended a dinner at Blair House, a meeting at the Council for Foreign Policy and a reception, held at the Metropolitan Club for American Diaspora.

CORA members also attended a private meeting with the President. Those in the picture above are (left to right): Elias Wexler of the Romanian American Chamber of Commerce (a CORA member organization); Mark Meyer, Esq., CORA's Vice President; President Băsescu of Romania; Armand Scala, CORA's President; and Very Reverend Nicholas Apostola, Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese (a CORA member organization). Mr. Meyer and Mr. Scala also met privately with Foreign Minister, Ungureanu.

When asked the question before a few hundred people and the media "Mr. President, your goals are many... What if you don't succeed?" Answer: "Before being in politics, I was the captain of large sailing vessels. I always got to my port of destination."

CORA was very impressed with the President - and, he impressed official Washington, as well. Reports on his visit with President Bush in the White House were very positive.

US adoptive parents of Romanian children were among those who met with the President.

President Bush will host Romanian President Traian Băsescu at the White House on March 9, 2005. The two Presidents share a strong commitment to freedom, and Romania is making significant contributions to democracy and stability in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region. President Bush looks forward to discussing how the United States and Romania will continue to work closely together on the common challenges we face. The President also looks forward to hearing President Băsescu's thoughts on regional issues and his reform agenda.

President George W. Bush today announced that he has named Dr. Jack D. Crouch II Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor. Dr. Crouch is the U.S. Ambassador to Romania where he has worked to expand democracy in the region, increase cooperation between the United States and Romania in the global war on terror, and foster Romania’s incorporation into Western security institutions including NATO and the European Union.

"J.D. Crouch's extensive experience in national defense and foreign policy will make him a valued member of my national security team. I appreciate his willingness to continue to serve my Administration in this new capacity," stated President Bush.

Dr. Crouch served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy from August 2001 through October 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, counterproliferation, and arms control.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Crouch was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. 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.