Romanian president urges citizen to contribute to country's good image

Romania's President Traian Basescu stressed Monday that the political class alone was not responsible for building the image of the country, but also each and every Romanian. Basescu made the remarks at the European Forum for Public Diplomacy, an event held in Bucharest to mark a new beginning of Romania's efforts to better perception of the country and nation in the international arena. "I say with all sincerity that I believe Romania is perceived worse than it is in reality," said the president. According to him, the image of a country depends on the manner every citizen behaves abroad and in the manner in which every citizen observes laws and takes responsibility of their actions. He voiced his belief that "there are countries in the EU more corrupt than Romania. However, Romania is the one said to have a justice that fears to touch the important politicians." "The problem is ours," Basescu stressed, underlining that "we should look more credible in taking our actions and presenting ourselves, while explaining who we are." "Romanians can be proud of the things they have at home, talented people, a relatively well-educated people, people that are capable of making effort, a beautiful country," he added.