Forum on Minority Issues Item 3 of the agenda Speech from the Romanian Delegation Only the speech as made may be considered authentic. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Romania adheres to the declaration of the European Union. We agree that states have a specific duty to protect the social fabric through sustainable protection and prevention of discrimination or marginalization of segments of society, including persons belonging to national minorities. As it is the case of the Roma in most of the countries where they live, States should adopt progressive measures in order to ensure a catch up of the gaps that have accumulated for long time. Since the restoration of a democratic system, Romania has been concerned with the representation of persons belonging to the national minorities in public life. Presently, Romania has a President who started his career as a representative of a national minority and a deputy prime minister who belongs to the Hungarian minority. The other national minorities have been represented in the Romanian Parliament since 1990. Minorities are also represented at the local level by elected presidents of county councils, mayors and municipal councilors. We understood, however, that political representation in itself is essential but other measures are needed. In this respect, the Romanian Police has adopted for some years now the practice to be open to members of the national minorities who want to pursue a career in the police force. This way, police colleges that train police officers recruit each year ethnic Hungarians, Roma and members of other minorities.We would like to highlight the fact that these positions are reserved for Romanian citizens belonging to the national minorities This policy has contributed to propagate tension and to ensure social peace. To conclude, Mr. chairman, we would like to refer to a statement made this morning, and to draw your attention to the fact that the internal administrative organization of States is a sovereign prerogative of the latter and there are no common standards or international obligations for States, including to ensure autonomy based on ethnic criteria.