Romania's prime minister has used the country's national holiday to call for unity, amid continuing demonstrations by Romanians over austerity measures.
Addressing parliament in a special session on January 24, the country's Day of Unity, Prime Minister Emil Boc urged Romanians to work together to overcome economic hardships.
"People are waiting for solutions for unity, not for division," he said.
He spoke as at least 2,000 demonstrators -- mostly army personnel made redundant because of budget cuts -- rallied outside the government building in Bucharest.
Elsewhere, about 5,000 people were reported to have gathered in the northeast city of Iasi, to protest against falling living standards and demand the resignation of the government.
compiled from agency reports