(23April2010) A chance meeting at the Vatican.

A chance meeting at the Vatican
FM George Yeo discusses Ionescu case with Romanian counterpart
05:55 AM Apr 23, 2010
VATICAN CITY - Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo has had a discussion on the Silviu Ionescu case with his Romanian counterpart.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) said the chance opportunity arose when Mr Yeo and Mr Teodor Baconschi were waiting for an audience with Pope Benedict at St Peter's Square on Wednesday.
Mr Yeo expressed "the anguish which Singaporeans felt on the case and emphasised the importance of justice being done", MFA said in a statement yesterday.
Mr Baconschi's reply was that he was "sympathetic to the feelings of Singaporeans" and said the matter was being given the highest attention by the Romanian authorities.
He added that Romania was pursuing the full legal course and assured Mr Yeo that justice would be done.
Dr Ionescu, the former Romanian diplomat, was the driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run accident on Dec 15 last year. It resulted in the death of a permanent resident, Mr Tong Kok Wai, 30, and two others with injuries.
Dr Ionescu left Singapore three days after the accident.
Both ministers committed themselves to good bilateral relations, and Mr Baconschi also extended an invitation to Mr Yeo to visit Bucharest, said MFA.
Mr Yeo, who was on an official visit to the Holy See on Tuesday and Wednesday, had a short audience with Pope Benedict.
He extended a letter from President S R Nathan inviting him to visit Singapore next year in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Pope gave his blessings to the people and Government of Singapore.
Mr Yeo also had meetings with other Vatican City officials.
URL http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100423-0000053/A-chance-meeting-at-the-Vatican
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References:
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
- Interpol.int
- [13Jan2010] Quiet diplomacy not a sign of weakness
- 18April2010: Ionescu Interpol Notice withdrawn?