Moldova

Premier Victor Ponta said on Wednesday that Romania will further provide the Republic of Moldova all support at EU level to overcome the situation created as a result of the economic sanctions imposed by the Russian Federation on Moldovan exports of agricultural products and foodstuff.

Romania's two teams that have left the country to embark on the Mongol Rally adventure - Dracula Khan and Mamaliga (Polenta) Warriors- on Tuesday evening reunited in Klenova, the Czech Republic, at a party extended before the second start in the world's largest charity rally.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta said on Tuesday in Sibiu that Romania backed the extension of support to Ukraine, as well as the imposition of sanctions on the Russian Federation, of which he said that it is morally and politically responsible for the terrorist attack on a civil aircraft on Ukraine's territory.

Romania's Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean will participate in a Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting on Tuesday, where the current situation in the region will be discussed, as well as the fact that a Malaysian Airlines aircraft was downed on Ukraine's soil, at the border with the Russian Federation.

IZVORANI - The Serbian national team won a silver medal at the Youth Boys Balkan Volleyball Championship in Izvorani, after defeating the host team of Romania 3-2 (20-25, 25-12, 19-25, 25-11, 15-11) in the final round on Sunday.

Bulgaria is the world leader in lavender growing and oil production after managing to steal the first place from France in just several years, French newspaper Figaro reported.

Prime Minister Victor Ponta said on Thursday he feels very good as a prime minister, and regardless of the public position he will hold as of November, he will remain a big advocate of Serbia's integration and of the other states in the region aspiring to join the EU.

President Traian Basescu on Wednesday night called for more resolute action of the European Union as regards Ukraine, this being his point of view expressed at the European Council meeting in Brussels.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Titus Corlatean, appreciated the activity and important contribution of the head of the diplomatic mission of the USA in Bucharest, Duane Butcher, to the strengthening of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States of American, reads a press release on Wednesday sent to AGERPRES.

Team Mamaliga [Polenta] Warriors leave to London on Wednesday to begin their trip in the Mongol Rally, the world's biggest charity rally; their luggage includes the usual indispensable items - a tent, backpacks, a toolkit - and also one pot, one guitar, and one ukulele.