Romanians Argue Over Taking in Migrants

The first immigrants that Romania has agreed to take in at the EU's request will arrive in November, presidential adviser Leonard Orban, has said, although the government promptly declined to confirm this.

Orban, a former European Commissioner now advising President Klaus Iohannis, on Tuesday said a total of around 1,700 migrants will gradually come to Romania and be spread around six centres across the country.

Most of the refugees will come from Greece and Italy, while Romania will get 6,000 euros for each refugee from the EU, he added.

However, Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Wednesday then contradicted Orban by saying that Romania has made no decision as yet on how many refugees it could receive.

"Such a decision should be made only by the Supreme Defence Council, CSAT," Ponta said.

Ponta added that the Romanian authorities have taken the necessary measures to prepare for a refugee crisis, so there is no reason for panic.

Romania has a history of conflict between the President and Prime Minister and open disagreements between the two officials are commonplace.

Not everybody supports the idea that Romania should shelter any refugees under any conditions, meanwhile.

Former President Traian Basescu on Wednesday said Romania should refuse to take in any refugees. "It's not our game, it's not our problem. There are others responsible in Europe who need to assume this problem, as they are among those who contributed to the chaos in states such as Syria and Libya," Basescu said in a TV show.

The six centres for sheltering refugees in Romania have a total capacity for 950 places, according to official data. Migrants can receive water, food, accommodation, as well as consular services there.

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