"I voiced concern over the situation created by the domestic security measures reached by the French authorities and the public stance expressed by French officials on this issue. I reiterated firmly the idea that any measure envisaged by the French authorities must observe the principle of the free movement of persons and the warranties offered to citizens, as you know, by Directive 2004/38/EC," said the Romanian Foreign Minister.

He added that he had a direct and open dialogue with the French officials and that each side directly and freely delivered its message on the subject. During talks, the Romanian Foreign Minister once again emphasized that all Romanian citizens, Roma ethnics included, are European citizens and, by virtue of that status, cannot have their right to the freedom of movement restricted. Baconschi stressed that the community legislation states the strict conditions under which EU citizens can be expelled from the territory of a EU member state - an exceptional measure that can only be applied individually.

"During the talks I also referred to the draft Detailed plan of joint action, which includes social inclusion measures, a plan to control crime and joint European actions; we would like to make quick progress on this plan in today's discussions. The Romanian side made the document available several days ago and it is now being analyzed by the French side," said Baconschi.AGERPRES