Lisbon, 2 December 1996 (RFE/RL) -- Romania's new president Emil Constantinescu told the European security summit his government wanted to sign a basic treaty with Ukraine similar to the one it agreed recently with Hungary.
Constantinescu, who was making his first appearance at a major international conference, stressed that establishing good relations with neighbouring countries was a major goal of the new Government.
He made no mention of the territorial and other differences Romania has with Ukraine but said the Government was determined to reach agreement on a treaty. He said it was of "overriding importance" for the Government.
He noted that the new treaty with Hungary has already been ratified by the Romanian parliament. It is expected to be presented to the Hungarian parliament soon.
In his speech, Constantinescu stressed the new government's commitment to democracy and the fundamental values of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
He confirmed that Romania wanted to join both NATO and the European Union.
He said a new European security system was needed for the 21st century which stressed not only military security but also economic and other values and placed the emphasis on democracy.
Constantinescu is scheduled have a private meeting in Lisbon tomorrow with Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Horn.