Basescu: National Bank has often managed to do what governments did not succeed

The National Bank of Romania (BNR) has often managed to do what the governments did not succeed, President Traian Basescu told a Tuesday ceremony in which he awarded high national distinctions to BNR governor Mugur Isarescu and the BNR Administration Board from 2004-2009.

The president pointed out that the decorations are bestowed on the former Administration Board of the National Bank and on some of the main decision-makers outside the Administration Board and he thanked them all for their 'professionalism and devotion', for the fact that there had been many moments when they did for the Romanians more than the entire political class.

'I want to thank you for what you did in your activity, for your devotion to Romania's interests, for the knowledge to often substitute reckless measures taken by the governments. You did for the Romanians more than the entire political class at many moments and I thank you for this', he said.

Basescu underscored that if Romania joins the euro area on the planned date, the BNR will deserve much of the praise.

President Traian Basescu on Tuesday awarded the BNR governor the country's highest honor, the National Order of the Star of Romania, Collar rank.

On the occasion of the BNR 130th anniversary, the president bestowed distinctions on the members of the central bank's Administration Board from 2004-2009 'in sign of high appreciation of the exceptional results they got in drafting and successfully implementing the monetary and banking policies that ensured Romania's financial stability'.

Thus, the Star of Romania in the rank of Grand Officer was awarded to Professor Silviu Cerna and to Dr. Lucian Croitoru, while Professor Virgiliu-Jorj Stoenescu was awarded the Star of Romania in the rank of Commodore.

Professor Florin Georgescu received the Star of Romania National Order in the rank of Officer, while Professor Eugen Dijmarescu, Maria Ene, Dr.Valentin Lazea, Dr. Agnes Nagy, Dr. Napoleon Pop and Dr. Cristian Popa were awarded the Star of Romania in the rank of Knight.

Agerpres