Romanian Ex-President Warns Of Russian Ambitions

BUCHAREST -- Former Romanian President Emil Constantinescu has told RFE/RL's Moldovan Service that he signed an open letter U.S. President Barack Obama about a resurgent Russia because he believes Eastern Europe is less stable than it appears.

Constantinescu, who served as president from 1996-2000, was among 22 former government officials from the new EU and NATO members in Eastern Europe who warned Obama in the letter on July 15 to keep Eastern Europe's interests in mind as he "resets" U.S. ties with Russia.

Constantinescu told RFE/RL that Russia is keen to move into any "void" left by the United States.

He said that although Romania and its neighbors are more stable than countries such as Iraq or Afghanistan, they still have problems and could become the victims of Russia's renewed ambitions.