Romanian diplomat's car in hit-and-run: cover up?
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Originally posted by Samuel Lee:
No, he was executed (Shoted) by 1989 and it is a norm for him to do so because his communist political system is influenced by Stalin, regardless of how he want Romania to be independent of Big powers, just like present North Korea.
knn past tense of shoot is shot. got past tense of shot, is called shoted eh
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Odd silence in Romania
LONDON - THE media in Romania had reported extensively throughout last week on the conclusions of the Singapore Coroner's Court regarding the two hit-and-run accidents committed by Dr Silviu Ionescu, the country's former envoy.
But there was no attempt to analyse the legal consequences of this case, and no debate about the damage Dr Ionescu's conduct may have caused to Romania's international reputation.
And not one of the country's politicians or diplomats offered any comments.
All of Romania's five national TV channels included in their evening news bulletins a report on the Singapore Coroner's findings on Wednesday.
However, the reports were brief and factual, either accompanied by just a still photograph of the envoy, or a video clip showing Dr Ionescu emerging from a preliminary hearing at Romania's public prosecutor's office.
The printed media did better. Adevarul ('The Truth') - one of Romania's top daily newspapers - published on Wednesday a large article retelling the story of the car accident in Singapore, with the aid of a detailed map showing the place of the incident, the location where Dr Ionescu's car was subsequently found, pictures of the Romanian Embassy, and an extensive chronology of the events since last December.
-- ST
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MFA provides same documents and photographs to Alex Coseru
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Foreign Ministry on Monday provided the Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Romanian Embassy in Singapore with two document folders and eight volumes of photographs.
Mr Alex Coseru had left behind a similar set of documents and photographs which were given to him during the Coroner's Inquiry.
The Coroner had ruled that Dr Silviu Ionescu, Romania's former Charge d'Affaires was the driver of the car that hit three pedestrians on 15 December 2009.
Mr Coseru had told MFA on April 2 that he had done so because he did not know that they were for his retention.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry said it's making clear to Mr Coseru that as he is the Romanian government's official representative in Singapore, these were given to him for his government's use and this was why he had been given the documents during the Coroner's Inquiry in the first place.
The MFA spokesman pointed out that as he had said in his comments on April 1, on the last day of the Coroner's Inquiry Mr Coseru had asked the State Counsel for a copy of the Investigation Report.
This had been given to Mr Coseru who took it away with him at that time without any misunderstanding.
The MFA spokesman also noted that the media had reported that the Romanian MFA had disavowed the allegations made by Dr Silviu Ionescu about the Coroner's Inquiry and Singapore's judicial system and had clarified that they did not represent the position of the Romanian authorities.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that Singapore expected the full co-operation of the Romanian authorities to ensure that justice would be served and that Singapore would cooperate to the fullest extent possible under its law with the Romanian authorities.
He added that the Romanian Ambassador to Singapore who is resident in Tokyo, Mr Aurelian Neagu had not yet provided a firm date for his visit to Singapore to discuss the case but that the ministry expects to hear from him shortly.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry had summoned Mr Neagu, to a meeting this week in Singapore to discuss the charges preferred by the Attorney-General's Chambers against Dr Silviu Ionescu. - CNA/vm
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Romanian envoy to meet MFA
TOKYO-BASED Romanian Ambassador to Singapore will meet Ministry of Foreign officials here on Friday to discuss the case of suspended diplomat Silviu Ionescu, said MFA on Tuesday.
Mr Aurelian Neagu was summoned to Singapore by MFA last week for a meeting to discuss criminal charges which the Republic wants to bring against Dr Ionescu.
Singapore has taken the first steps towards criminal proceedings against Dr Ionescu after the State Coroner found him responsible for two hit-and-run accidents in Bukit Panjang last December.
The Attorney-General's Chambers has prepared a set of 13 charges it wants to bring against Dr Ionescu. The charges include causing death by reckless driving, causing grievous hurt through a rash act, and failing to stop, help or lodge a police report after the accidents.
In a statement on Monday night, the MFA said it noted that Romania's Foreign Affairs Ministry has disavowed allegations hurled by Dr Ionescu against the judiciary here. It was referring to media reports that said Dr Ionescu's remarks did not represent the position of the Romanian authorities.
Dr Ionescu had slammed the Coroner's Court last Wednesday which blamed him for causing the death of Mr Tong Kok Wai, one of three pedestrians hit by the Romanian Embassy's Audi A6 car along Bukit Panjang Road on Dec 15.
-- ST
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Arrest warrant for Ionescu
SINGAPORE Government has issued a warrant of arrest for former Romanian charge d'affaires Silviu Ionescu over a hit-and-run accident that left a man dead last December.
At the same time, Interpol has also issued a 'Red Notice' against Dr Ionescu, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, following a meeting it had with Romanian Ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu, who is based in Tokyo.
This notice means those manning entry and exit points in member countries will be on extra alert for the wanted man.
At the meeting, Ambassador Neagu was officially informed of the findings of the Coroner's inquiry and the charges the Singapore Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has prepared against Dr Silviu Ionescu.
The MFA summoned the ambassador to Singapore last week after the Coroner ruled that Dr Ionescu, 49, had caused the death of Mr Tong Kok Wai.
Mr Tong, 30, died after he was hit by the Romanian Embassy's Audi A6 along Bukit Panjang Road last Dec 15. Two others were injured in two hit-and-run accidents involving the same car that day.
A day after the verdict, the authorities released a list of 13 charges the Attorney-General's Chambers had prepared against Dr Ionescu.
The charges include causing death by reckless driving, causing grievous hurt through a rash act, and failing to stop, help or lodge a police report after the accidents.
The charges lined up against Dr Ionescu attract stiff penalties; causing death through a rash act, for example, is punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine.
-- ST
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Originally posted by QX179R:
Arrest warrant for Ionescu
SINGAPORE Government has issued a warrant of arrest for former Romanian charge d'affaires Silviu Ionescu over a hit-and-run accident that left a man dead last December.
At the same time, Interpol has also issued a 'Red Notice' against Dr Ionescu, said a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, following a meeting it had with Romanian Ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu, who is based in Tokyo.
This notice means those manning entry and exit points in member countries will be on extra alert for the wanted man.
At the meeting, Ambassador Neagu was officially informed of the findings of the Coroner's inquiry and the charges the Singapore Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) has prepared against Dr Silviu Ionescu.
The MFA summoned the ambassador to Singapore last week after the Coroner ruled that Dr Ionescu, 49, had caused the death of Mr Tong Kok Wai.
Mr Tong, 30, died after he was hit by the Romanian Embassy's Audi A6 along Bukit Panjang Road last Dec 15. Two others were injured in two hit-and-run accidents involving the same car that day.
A day after the verdict, the authorities released a list of 13 charges the Attorney-General's Chambers had prepared against Dr Ionescu.
The charges include causing death by reckless driving, causing grievous hurt through a rash act, and failing to stop, help or lodge a police report after the accidents.
The charges lined up against Dr Ionescu attract stiff penalties; causing death through a rash act, for example, is punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine.
-- ST
hope he get caught.
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Joint group to probe envoy's case
SINGAPORE and Romania have agreed to set up a Joint Technical Working Group to investigate the Dec 15 hit-and-run accident involving former Romanian charge d?affaires Silviu Ionescue, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
The working group, proposed by the Romanian side in February, is expected to start work by May.
'If the Romanian side was ready to begin work earlier, Singapore was ready to do so as we had already appointed our representatives to the Joint Technical Working Group,' said an MFA spokesman on Friday, after it met Romanian Ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu to discuss the criminal charges which Singapore wants to bring against Dr Ionescu, 49.
Mr Neagu, who flew from Tokyo where he is based, told MFA officials at Friday's meeting that Romania was ready to send a prosecutor to Singapore to meet officials here 'at anytime.' In response, MFA said it hopes the Romanian authorities would propose specific dates for the visit without delay.
At the meeting, MFA also lodged a strong protest to the Ambassador on the inappropriate comments made by Dr Ionescu to the media on the integrity of Singapore's judicial system and the victims.
'Dr Ionescu's comments were without basis, callous in the extreme and showed an utter lack of remorse. MFA pointed out that the Singapore legal system was widely known for its transparency, integrity and high standards and that Dr Ionescu's callous comments on the victims had only further inflamed public feelings against Dr Ionescu and Romania,' the MFA spokesman said.
'MFA welcomed the Romanian MFA's disavowal of the allegations made by Dr Ionescu about the Coroner's Inquiry and Singapore's judicial system and its clarification that they did not represent the position of the Romanian Government.'
MFA, however, stressed to the Ambassador that it was puzzling that its Foreign Ministry continued to allow Dr Ionescu, who is still an employee of the ministry although he has been suspended from his duties, to make such inappropriate remarks.
It told Mr Neagu that 'so long as Dr Ionescu remained formally in the employment of the Romanian government, the Romanian MFA could not disavow responsibility for him and had a strong obligation to ensure that Dr Ionescu refrained from making outrageous and inappropriate statements. Such statements damaged Romania's reputation and were not in Dr Ionescu's own interests either.'
'MFA cautioned Ambassador Neagu that Romania should not underestimate the depth of feelings that had been aroused in Singapore over the case. Questions had been asked in Parliament. The Romanian Government must in its own interests ensure that justice was served and seen to be served. Otherwise, there would inevitably be consequences for bilateral relations,' added the MFA spokesman.
-- ST
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Romania to send reps here
ROMANIA will send representatives to Singapore to study the evidence that has come up against former charge d'affaires Silviu Ionescu, who is under criminal probe in his home country. The representatives will work with officials from the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) here as a Joint Technical Working Group.
These details were released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) after it met Romanian ambassador Aurelian Neagu on Friday. The MFA said it hoped the work group can start work by next month.
Dr Ionescu is under investigation in Romania for homicide by negligence, leaving the scene of an accident and making false statements. In Singapore, the AGC wants to charge him for 13 offences over the hit-and-run accident on Dec 15. Mr Tong Kok Wai, 30, died in the accident.
During Friday's meeting, the MFA told Mr Neagu that Singapore's preference was 'nevertheless for Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore to face the charges', though there is no extradition treaty between the two countries. Interpol has issued a red notice against Dr Ionescu after the Singapore police issued a warrant of arrest.
At the meeting, the MFA also lodged a strong protest with Mr Neagu over comments Dr Ionescu had made to the media. He had insulted the Singapore judiciary following the Coroner's verdict, which blamed him for Mr Tong's death.
The Romanian government has delinked itself from Dr Ionescu's comments. However, the MFA said that Dr Ionescu, while suspended, remained a Romanian government employee. So it had a 'strong obligation' to ensure he stopped making such 'outrageous' statements, which damaged Romania' reputation.
-- ST
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They've to understand one staff's comments cannot automatically become the organisation's stance.
I think they've forgotten how 'special' our govt PR works.
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Arrest warrant issued, Interpol on red alert against Silviu Ionescu
Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, April 10
SINGAPORE: The Singapore government has issued a Warrant of Arrest against Dr Silviu Ionescu over a deadly hit—and—run accident, while Interpol issued a Red Notice against the former Romanian charge d’affaires.
Last month, the Coroner’s Inquiry held in Singapore ruled that Dr Ionescu was the driver of the car that hit three pedestrians on December 15 last year. One person died.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Friday met Mr Aurelian Neagu, the Romanian Ambassador to Singapore, who is based in Tokyo.
MFA said Mr Neagu was officially informed of the findings of the Coroner’s Inquiry and the charges preferred by the Singapore Attorney—General’s Chambers (AGC) against Dr Silviu Ionescu.
He was also officially informed that a Warrant of Arrest had been issued against Dr Ionescu and that Interpol had issued a Red Notice against him.
A Red Notice means the warrant can be circulated in member countries, with the request that the wanted person be arrested with a view to extradition.
Singapore’s Foreign Ministry told Mr Neagu that Singapore understood Romania cannot compel Dr Ionescu to return to the Republic as there was no Extradition Treaty between the two countries.
Still, the ministry stressed that the Romanian government had a clear moral obligation to persuade Dr Ionescu to come back to Singapore to stand trial.
It said this was in Romania’s own interests as Dr Ionescu had seriously damaged Romania’s international reputation.
Mr Neagu informed MFA that the Romanian Prosecutor’s Office had started criminal investigations against Dr Ionescu on February 2 on "homicide by negligence, leaving the scene of an accident and false statements".
These are similar to the charges which the ACG had prepared against Dr Ionescu.
Ambassador Neagu stressed that Romania was committed to seeing justice done.
The Ambassador explained that Romania would need to conduct its own investigations against Dr Ionescu in accordance with Romanian law.
He assured MFA that Romania would continue to cooperate fully with Singapore on the matter, and abide by the law and international procedures in dealing with this case.
MFA thanked Mr Neagu for his assurances of Romania’s commitment, and reiterated that Singapore would cooperate with Romania to the fullest extent possible under Singapore’s law to see that justice is served.
Singapore told Mr Neagu that it has agreed to Romania’s request to set up a Joint Commission, which will comprise legal experts from both sides, who will share evidence.
They could start work by May.
The Singapore Foreign Ministry cautioned Mr Neagu that Romania should not underestimate the depth of feelings that had been aroused in Singapore over the case.
It continued to say that the Romanian government must, in its own interests, ensure justice is served. Otherwise, there would inevitably be consequences for bilateral relations.
— CNA/yb
Full MFA starement here
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Romania says Ionescu's case won't affect bilateral ties with Singapore
SINGAPORE: Romania said it's determined not to let former Romanian diplomat Dr Silviu Ionescu's case affect the bilateral relations with Singapore and it said its stance of total respect of the Romanian law and of the international procedures demonstrates this determination.
Singapore has said it'll work with the Romanian authorities to ensure that justice is served expeditiously.
Former Romanian diplomat, Dr Silviu Ionescu, was involved in two hit-and-run traffic accidents here last December which left a Malaysian dead and two people injured.
And it's a case which has caught the attention of many, particularly after Dr Ionescu left the country and claimed he was set up.
In a statement posted on its website, Romania's Foreign Ministry said Dr Ionescu's statements are his own exclusive responsibility and that it dissociates itself from his statements.
It added that once an employee is suspended from duties, his statements carry the same weight as personal opinions expressed by any other Romanian citizen.
Romania also said it has acted with utmost openness and pursued law enforcement.
Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo, who was attending an exhibition, was asked if ties between Singapore and Romania have been affected by the incident.
Mr Yeo said: "We'll work together with them. I think they want to see justice done too. It's in our interest, it's in their interest. We're going to form this joint technical committee and work together to ensure that justice is done."
The Singapore government has issued an arrest warrant against Dr Ionescu.
At the same time, Interpol has also issued a 'Red Notice' against the former diplomat.
This means that those manning entry and exit points in member countries will be on extra alert for the wanted man, with a view to his arrest and extradition.
As for the likelihood of Dr Ionescu being brought back to Singapore?
Mr Yeo said: "Let's take this one step at a time and not be off side on what must be due process."
Mr Yeo was at the launch of the "Arabs in Southeast Asia" exhibition at the National Library.
The six-month long exhibition highlights the exchanges of trade, cultural and religious practices between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.-CNA/vm
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Empathy in Romania
BUCHAREST - ROMANIA is a quarter of the way round the world from Singapore, and the two countries' historical encounters have been few.
But the fatal hit-and-run accident in Bukit Panjang has changed that.
'The Romanian diplomat in Singapore? Yes, yes, I know about this, it was on the news,' said the taxi driver as he wove through one of the Romanian capital's legendary traffic jams. 'He was driving the car, and maybe drinking, and then he ran away, yes?'
During a visit to get a sense of what ordinary Romanians made of the story that has Singapore buzzing, all 15 people asked about the notorious traffic accident were aware of it.
The cabby, Mr Cristian Chiran, did not know Dr Silviu Ionescu by name. The former charge d'affaires does not have quite the same notoriety here.
But the 21 million citizens of this south-eastern European nation are voracious consumers of news. There are more than 70 daily newspapers, six public television stations and dozens of radio stations. Many have reported at least the story's basics.
-- ST
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Singapore application to Interpol hits brick wall.
---old post deleted due to update made---
Pls scroll down (next post/ same page)
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Originally posted by bic_cherry:Singapore application to Interpol hits brick wall.Perhaps Singapore could be a bit more respectful of international legal protocol, especially since Romania has thus far seemed quite cooperative for their part (already indicting him on 2nd Feb for negligent homicide). Think complying w International norms would be better for the image of Singapore rather then a 'high-handed' approach.
Also, given Romania's obvious preference to abide by international laws of diplomatic relations, perhaps Singapore should cooperate closely with Romania in persecuting Dr Ionescu for the moment as the practise of such 'one-upmanship'- bypassing the Romanian government in disciplining its diplomat against international diplomatic norms- might be viewed negatively by the Romanian people, God forbid it be view as 'brinkmanship' and regrettably backfire.
I might be wrong of course...
May we be at peace with the world.
(see highlighted parts for the Romanian response below)Adieu- Wiki: Diplomatic immunityQuote:Romania Keeps Singapore Updated On Steps Taken In Criminal Case Of Fmr Envoy Ionescu – FM
9April2010
http://storage0.dms.mpinteractiv.ro/....jpg?width=605
Romania’s ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu informed Singapore’s Foreign Ministry of the steps taken by the Romanian authorities for a lawful investigation of former Romanian envoy to Singapore Silviu Ionescu blamed for a hit-and-run accident in December, Romania’s Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Neagu reiterated Romania's commitment to uphold procedures needed to clear out all aspects related to the case and stressed that all the public statements made by Ionescu regarding this case were his personal standpoint and did not represent an official stance of the Romanian Foreign Ministry or the Romanian authorities, the ministry said in its press release Friday.
Considering the criminal charges brought against Ionescu by the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office, Ionescu was suspended from his diplomatic duties within the Romanian Foreign Ministry under the provisions of article 60 of Law 269/ 2003 regulating the Statute of Romania's Diplomatic and Consular Corps.
Neagu also underscored that the Romanian authorities wanted to fully abide by the law and international procedures in dealing with this case.
According to the press release, on January 5, 2010, the ministry submitted a request to the General Prosecutor's Office to investigate the accident on December 15, 2009 in which a vehicle of the Romanian diplomatic mission in Singapore was involved. On January 6, 2010, the Prosecutor's Office set off the criminal prosecution against Ionescu, at the ministry's request.
On January 11, 2010, judicial authorities in Singapore were asked to provide all available accident-related data. The request was submitted via international police cooperation networks, namely, the Romanian Interpol Office and the Singapore Interpol Office, respectively, according to the press release.
On January 26, 2010, the Romanian Foreign Ministry provided information to Interpol Singapore on whether Romanian judicial authorities are entitled to probe, try and sentence Romanian citizens for crimes committed abroad, the press release also read.
On January 29, 2010, Interpol Singapore offered additional information to the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office and said more information would be provided only in keeping with the investigations that were to be unfolded by the Singapore Coroner's Court.
On February 2, 2010, the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office indicted Ionescu for negligent homicide, fleeing the scene of the accident and false statements. In consequence, Ionescu was suspended from his diplomatic duties within the Romanian Foreign Ministry, under the Romanian law, until the end of the investigation. Singapore' authorities were duly informed, the press release also noted.
On February 11, 2010, Romania's Justice Minister submitted a series of requests to Singapore's Justice Minister, via an international rogation commission, calling for full observance of procedural provisions under Romanian laws.
Romania's Embassy Chargé d'Affaires attended the Coroner's Inquiry proceedings unfolded between March 3 and March 10, 2010. Various documents were handed to him informally to better understand the legal proceedings. No reference was ever made that the said documents were meant to be an official response to the above -mentioned requests of the Romanian Justice Minister, therefore, they could not be considered as such under the international procedures, the press release also read.
On March 16, 2010, Singapore's Justice Ministry issued a preliminary answer assuring the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office that Singapore's authorities are ready to work closely with the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office throughout the criminal investigations, while observing Singapore's laws.
Singapore's Police sent to Interpol Romania an international arrest warrant against Ionescu who is held responsible for a fatal hit-and-run accident in Bukit Panjang, people close to the matter said Thursday.
Prosecutor Marius Iacob, chief of Romanian General Prosecutors' Office criminal department, told MEDIAFAX Thursday that Interpol Romania received the international arrest warrant against Ionescu from Singapore's police.
Romania's Foreign Ministry said both Romania and Singapore joined the Vienna Convention regarding diplomatic relations, therefore, investigations into Ionescu's case must be carried out by Romanian authorities.
According to the Vienna Convention regarding diplomatic relations, a diplomat enjoys immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state, which does not exempt the respective diplomat from the jurisdiction of the sending state.
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, esp Article 31-
-ST Apr 9, 2010 Arrest warrant for Ionescu
may i ask if Singapore didn't do these things, would the writer or someone else be kpkb-ing that we don't give a shit about our own people and let the Romanian fella run around without trying to bring him back for justice? -
Originally posted by the Bear:
may i ask if Singapore didn't do these things, would the writer or someone else be kpkb-ing that we don't give a shit about our own people and let the Romanian fella run around without trying to bring him back for justice?
Yes Singapore is doing something no doubt, but just thought that they should act with some finesse. No need to blow case out of proportion, trespass international law- a considered approach would be better. One man's incursion doesn't mean we black list the whole community right? Les we forget, we won the Pedra Branca case against Malaysia via the ICJ. So likewise with the international community, we should act with propriety. We are not the only ones inhabiting this planet.A firm and decisive action by both sides according to mutual treaties and international agreements is needed here, not hues, cries and media propaganda.
In short, it isn't worth it going overboard and then getting criticized as belligerent in our attempt to achieve justice. Remember, we are paying our ministers multi-million dollar salaries, they should be expected to handle this well:
The world is watching, I wish the Singapore Government every success in its international relations whilst upholding the spirit of Justice in this case.
Thank you for your kind interest.
Singapore and Romania are still friends, cooperating together for the betterment of Society.
Adieu.
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Singapore application to Interpol hits brick wall.
Perhaps Singapore could be a bit more respectful of international legal protocol, especially since Romania has thus far seemed quite cooperative for their part (already indicting Dr Ionescu on 2nd Feb for 'negligent homicide, fleeing the scene of the accident and false statements'; '... suspended from his diplomatic duties'). Think complying w International norms would achieve a better prosecution outcome, not to mention, improve the image of Singapore amongst the international community, rather then a 'high-handed' approach.
Also, given Romania's obvious preference to abide by the mutually ratified Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (esp Article 31), perhaps Singapore should cooperate closely with Romania in persecuting Dr Ionescu along such mutual lines- as the practice of such 'one-upmanship'- bypassing the Romanian government in disciplining its diplomat against international diplomatic norms- would be viewed negatively by the Romanian people, not to mention international community; God forbid it be view as 'brinkmanship' and ultimately backfire.
I believe that by Treaty and international law, Romania's stand in 9April2010[MediaFax.ro]: 'Romania Keeps Singapore Updated On Steps Taken In Criminal Case Of Fmr Envoy Ionescu – FM' is legally correct and should be respected. After all, Romania seems rather enthusiastic thus far in taking responsibility for the actions of it's rogue diplomat (Romanian gov has already declared Dr Ionescu's press comments as his personal opinions/ defense and NOT the govt's stand).
Even if Interpol Singapore received Dr Ionescu from another country, we would still need Romanian govt permission to detain him, since by treaty, without Romanian removal of his 'diplomat status', he remains still immune to Singapore law* (*but not to Romanian laws) [see article 31: Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations].
Would be very funny because Singapore Gov would then be totally at Romania's mercy to prevent further embarrassment at that point, and the ICJ would support Romania totally in this respect.
Why shoot yourself in the foot when one doesn't have to?
The current President of Interpol might now be Singaporean, still, a little humility would serve us well.
In parting, let me suggest that the blatant disregard for the 'right of others' will not stand the test of time as my post in the thread: 'http://www.collateralmurder.com/ - a tragic war from bush administration' evidences- improprieties however subtle and well conscribed, eventually fail the test of time and conscience (12Jul07-5th April 2010). The leaked military videos now lay bare for all to see, in embarrassingly graphic detail, American soldier impropriety and brutality, not to mention the subsequent epic failure of any efforts at covering up the murderous incident.
Singapore hasn't proven the general ineptitude of Romanian citizens nor its government, to bypass an important mutual treaty is an insult to Romanian sovereignty; we should not pre-judge Romania nor its government. We should retract the Interpol warrant and apologize if my suspicion proves right.
In friendship and solidarity, may we work together to deliver the justice that the peoples of both sides of the world deserve.
May there be peace in this world.
God bless and adieu.
PS: Do view post of the same on my blog for updates and comments.
References:
- Wiki: Diplomatic immunity
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, (esp Article 31)
- ST Apr 9, 2010 Arrest warrant for Ionescu
- 9April2010, MediaFax.ro: Romania Keeps Singapore Updated On Steps Taken In Criminal Case Of Fmr Envoy Ionescu – FM (see highlighted parts for the relevant Romanian response below)
Quote:Romania Keeps Singapore Updated On Steps Taken In Criminal Case Of Fmr Envoy Ionescu – FM
9April2010
Romania’s ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu informed Singapore’s Foreign Ministry of the steps taken by the Romanian authorities for a lawful investigation of former Romanian envoy to Singapore Silviu Ionescu blamed for a hit-and-run accident in December, Romania’s Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Neagu reiterated Romania's commitment to uphold procedures needed to clear out all aspects related to the case and stressed that all the public statements made by Ionescu regarding this case were his personal standpoint and did not represent an official stance of the Romanian Foreign Ministry or the Romanian authorities, the ministry said in its press release Friday.
Considering the criminal charges brought against Ionescu by the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office, Ionescu was suspended from his diplomatic duties within the Romanian Foreign Ministry under the provisions of article 60 of Law 269/ 2003 regulating the Statute of Romania's Diplomatic and Consular Corps.
Neagu also underscored that the Romanian authorities wanted to fully abide by the law and international procedures in dealing with this case.
According to the press release, on January 5, 2010, the ministry submitted a request to the General Prosecutor's Office to investigate the accident on December 15, 2009 in which a vehicle of the Romanian diplomatic mission in Singapore was involved. On January 6, 2010, the Prosecutor's Office set off the criminal prosecution against Ionescu, at the ministry's request.
On January 11, 2010, judicial authorities in Singapore were asked to provide all available accident-related data. The request was submitted via international police cooperation networks, namely, the Romanian Interpol Office and the Singapore Interpol Office, respectively, according to the press release.
On January 26, 2010, the Romanian Foreign Ministry provided information to Interpol Singapore on whether Romanian judicial authorities are entitled to probe, try and sentence Romanian citizens for crimes committed abroad, the press release also read.
On January 29, 2010, Interpol Singapore offered additional information to the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office and said more information would be provided only in keeping with the investigations that were to be unfolded by the Singapore Coroner's Court.
On February 2, 2010, the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office indicted Ionescu for negligent homicide, fleeing the scene of the accident and false statements. In consequence, Ionescu was suspended from his diplomatic duties within the Romanian Foreign Ministry, under the Romanian law, until the end of the investigation. Singapore' authorities were duly informed, the press release also noted.
On February 11, 2010, Romania's Justice Minister submitted a series of requests to Singapore's Justice Minister, via an international rogation commission, calling for full observance of procedural provisions under Romanian laws.
Romania's Embassy Chargé d'Affaires attended the Coroner's Inquiry proceedings unfolded between March 3 and March 10, 2010. Various documents were handed to him informally to better understand the legal proceedings. No reference was ever made that the said documents were meant to be an official response to the above -mentioned requests of the Romanian Justice Minister, therefore, they could not be considered as such under the international procedures, the press release also read.
On March 16, 2010, Singapore's Justice Ministry issued a preliminary answer assuring the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office that Singapore's authorities are ready to work closely with the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office throughout the criminal investigations, while observing Singapore's laws.
Singapore's Police sent to Interpol Romania an international arrest warrant against Ionescu who is held responsible for a fatal hit-and-run accident in Bukit Panjang, people close to the matter said Thursday.
Prosecutor Marius Iacob, chief of Romanian General Prosecutors' Office criminal department, told MEDIAFAX Thursday that Interpol Romania received the international arrest warrant against Ionescu from Singapore's police.
Romania's Foreign Ministry said both Romania and Singapore joined the Vienna Convention regarding diplomatic relations, therefore, investigations into Ionescu's case must be carried out by Romanian authorities.
According to the Vienna Convention regarding diplomatic relations, a diplomat enjoys immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state, which does not exempt the respective diplomat from the jurisdiction of the sending state. -
Ionescu's link to escorts firm
NEWS reports in Romania have linked former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu to a local company there that allegedly recruits girls to become 'escorts in the most fashionable karaoke clubs in Singapore', The New Paper reported on Wednesday.
Adevarul (The Truth), one of Romania's top daily newspapers, reported that the former charge de'affaires to Singapore had lent 28,000 euros (S$53,000) to the company, Elaboration Ltd, which is said to be run by his close friend, Mr George Karastergios, a Greek national.
The Romanian reports also link Dr Ionescu, 49, to a traffic accident in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, six years ago, after which he claimed the other driver tried to blackmail him, said TNP.
A warrant of arrest and an Interpol alert have been issued against Dr Ionescu, after a State Coroner found him to be the driver of the car that killed Mr Tong Kok Wai, 30, and injured two others in hit-and-run accidents last Dec 15 at Bukit Panjang.
-- ST
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Romania seizes one of Silviu Ionescu's properties in Bucharest
A property in Bucharest belonging to former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu has been temporarily seized by his government.
Romania's prosecution office told MediaCorp the provisional seizure was conducted on February 3 with the aim of "satisfying the claims of the civil parties."
Madam Yenny Young, the widow of Mr Tong Kok Wai who died in the hit-and-run accidents that Dr Ionescu was involved in last year, and the survivors of the accidents, Mr Bong Hwee Haw and student Muhammad Haris Abu Talib, are seeking compensation from NTUC Income.
Income is the insurer of the Romanian embassy's car involved in the accident.
- CNA/jy -
'Desperate and cowardly'
SINGAPORE'S Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday responded to the latest comments made by suspended Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu in an interview with the Romanian media, calling them "wild babblings of a desperate man".
Dr Ionescu had claimed he had been set up by the Singapore government and had earlier requested for a change of posting - even to Moldova. Pointing to how Dr Ionescu has now "dragged in Moldova, a neighbour of Romania", an MFA spokesman said: 'He is only hurting himself and embarrassing his own government and all Romanians. We cannot take the wild babblings of a desperate man too cowardly to face up to his own responsibilities seriously.
"As you are aware, we have informed the Romanian authorities that they have an obligation to ensure that Dr Ionescu, who has only been suspended but not dismissed from the Romanian Foreign Ministry, refrains from making outrageous and inappropriate statements and that it is in their own interest that they do so.
"The Romanian Foreign Ministry has told us that Dr Ionescu, as a Romanian citizen, has the right to say what he pleases and that they cannot stop him. We have to respect this position. And the Romanian government has quite properly disassociated itself from his comments. Dr Ionescu is not hurting Singapore. If you follow what Romanian netizens are saying, it is clear that even his own compatriots do not believe him. He is only hurting himself and embarrassing his own government and all Romanians."
The spokesman noted that in his latest comments, Dr Ionescu has dragged in Moldova, a neighbour of Romania, 'in a less than flattering way '. In some of his previous comments, he has even mentioned the EU," added the spokesman.
On Dr Ionescu's comment that he would be hanged if he returned to Singapore, the MFA spokesman said: "This is a complete red herring. None of the charges against Dr Ionescu is a capital offence."
-- ST
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No immunity for Ionescu
SINGAPORE has told Romania that its former charge d'affaires Silviu Ionescu does not enjoy diplomatic immunity for his alleged offences on Dec 15 last year. Based on Article 39.2 of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a diplomat loses immunity for non-official acts when his posting ends and he leaves his host country.
'Dr Ionescu was using the Embassy vehicle in his private capacity and for his private purposes', said the Foreign Affairs Ministry in a statement on Thursday. 'As such, with effect from Dr Ionescu's recall, he no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity for the acts in question.'
The Coroner had found that Dr Ionescu, who turned 50 last week, was behind the wheel when the Romanian embassy's Audi A6 hit three pedestrians on Dec 15, killing one of them. The evidence showed that the Romanian had removed the state flag from the car before attending a birthday party at a karaoke lounge off Selegie Road. After the accident, Dr Ionescu was removed from his position and returned to Romania.
The MFA statement was in response to the Romanian authorities, which said it cannot arrest Dr Ionescu as he enjoys diplomatic immunity which Romania has not waived. Neither has Singapore sought a waiver.
Earlier this month, Singapore issued a warrant of arrest against Dr Ionescu, who is wanted for 13 criminal charges to do with the hit-and-run accident. This led to an Interpol red notice, which requests member countries to arrest Dr Ionescu with a view to his extradition.
While Romania is a member of Interpol, the country's Ministry of Justice said it could not arrest Dr Ionescu because there is no extradition treaty with Singapore.
-- ST
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Ionescu used embassy car in private capacity: MFA
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Foreign Ministry spokesman said it is clear from the findings of the Coroner's Inquiry that the acts for which Dr Silviu Ionescu has been charged were not pursuant to his official functions.
Dr Ionescu was using his embassy car in his private capacity and for his private purposes. As such, with effect from Dr Ionescu's recall, he no longer enjoys diplomatic immunity for the acts in question.
The spokesman added that as Dr Ionescu was recalled by his government on January 5 this year and is no longer serving as a diplomat in Singapore, his immunity for acts performed outside of his function as a diplomat would have lapsed, as provided for by Article 39.2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The spokesman also explained that as a result, there was no need for a waiver of diplomatic immunity by Romania and no need for Singapore to seek a waiver.
He also referred to the Romanian Ambassador to Singapore Aurelian Neagu's comments to Singapore's Foreign Ministry during a meeting on February 11 that the events of December 15 last year were "the responsibility of Ionescu as a person and not a Romanian diplomat".
The Coroner had ruled that Dr Ionescu, Romania's former Charge d'Affaires, was the driver of the car that hit three pedestrians on December 15.
Singapore has issued a warrant of arrest against the Dr Ionescu, and Interpol has issued a Red Notice against him. The red notice allows the warrant to be circulated worldwide for the wanted person to be arrested with a view to extradition.
The Romanian Justice Ministry had on April 9 issued a press statement suggesting that Romania is unable to arrest Dr Ionescu and extradict him as he enjoys diplomatic immunity, which Romania has not waived and Singapore has not sought such a waiver.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry's spokesman said that the Romanian government's position was that it could not compel Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore not because he enjoyed diplomatic immunity, but because there is no Extradition Treaty between Singapore and Romania.
The spokesman added that Singapore has taken the Romanian government at its word that it cannot compel Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore.
That is why Singapore has asked the Romanian government to do what it can to persuade Dr Ionescu that it is in his own interest and in Romania's interest, to return to Singapore to stand trial.
The Romanian Ambassador had informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that relevant Romanian officials were prepared to visit Singapore at any time to begin its work with the Joint Technical Working Group.
Singapore is waiting for the Romanian government to propose dates for the visit. Singapore will facilitate the visit of these Romanian officials, and assist them to gather the necessary evidence.
Such evidence will, amongst other things, show that Dr Ionescu was acting in his private capacity and for his private purposes when the accidents took place.
On April 12, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) had forwarded a copy of the official records of the Coroner's Inquiry pursuant to the request for mutual legal assistance by the Romanian Ministry of Justice to the Romanian Embassy in Singapore. These materials contain all the evidence heard by the Coroner's Inquiry.
The MFA spokesman added that the Romanian government has consistently assured Singapore, most recently through its Ambassador on April 9 and later that same day by the Secretary of State (Permanent Secretary) of the Romanian Foreign Ministry himself, that the Romanian government is committed to seeing that justice is served.
Based on these assurances, Singapore understands the obligations of the Romanian government to be:
Firstly, to do all it can to persuade Dr Ionescu to stand trial in Singapore;
Secondly, if it is not possible to persuade Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore to stand trial, to investigate and prosecute Dr Ionescu under Romanian law, as the Romanian authorities have repeatedly said they will do.
When asked by the media on Dr Ionescu's latest interview with Libertatea, the MFA spokesman said: "We cannot take the wild babblings of a desperate man too cowardly to face up to his own responsibilities seriously.
"As you are aware, we have informed the Romanian authorities that they have an obligation to ensure that Dr Ionescu, who has only been suspended but not dismissed from the Romanian Foreign Ministry, refrains from making outrageous and inappropriate statements and that it is in their own interest that they do so.
"The Romanian Foreign Ministry has told us that Dr Ionescu, as a Romanian citizen, has the right to say what he pleases and that they cannot stop him. We have to respect this position. And the Romanian government has quite properly disassociated itself from his comments.
"Dr Ionescu is not hurting Singapore. If you follow what Romanian netizens are saying, it is clear that even his own compatriots do not believe him. He is only hurting himself and embarrassing his own government and all Romanians.
"In his latest comments, Dr Ionescu has now dragged in Moldova, a neighbour of Romania, in a less than flattering way. In some of his previous comments, he has even mentioned the EU."
On Dr Ionescu's comment that he would be hanged if he returned to Singapore, the MFA spokesman said: "This is a complete red herring. None of the charges against Dr Ionescu is a capital offence."
- CNA/yb -
Ex-envoy fears he would fall prey to ‘revenge killing’ in Singapore
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MFA reiterates that Ionescu cannot now claim immunity for accident
SINGAPORE: Romania's former Charge d'Affaires, Dr Silviu Ionescu, does not now enjoy and cannot now claim immunity for last December's accident.
Singapore's Foreign Ministry (MFA) responded on Friday to media queries as to why if Dr Ionescu does not enjoy diplomatic immunity as the MFA spokesman had said on Thursday, he was not prevented from leaving the country or arrested after the accident of 15 December 2009.
The MFA spokesman replied: "We should not confuse the privileges and immunities which diplomats enjoy during their posting in a country to which they are accredited, with the privileges and immunities they enjoy after leaving the country of accreditation at the end of their postings."
He added that they are different situations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations clearly recognises these differences.
Article 39.1 of the Vienna Convention states that a diplomat's privileges and immunities begin from the moment he enters the receiving state to take up his post.
These privileges and immunities include freedom from detention and arrest (Article 29) and immunity from the jurisdiction of the criminal courts of the receiving state (Article 31.1).
"As long as a diplomat remains accredited to a receiving state, his privileges and immunities in that state would apply to all his actions, whether official or private," the spokesman said.
The MFA spokesman added that even if Dr Ionescu did not leave Singapore after the accident, as an accredited diplomat, Singapore cannot arrest him unless the Romanian government waives his immunity. His immunity then covered anything he did, whether official or private.
Dr Ionescu left Singapore on December 18 last year, three days after the accident. The MFA spokesman pointed out that at that time, he was still a diplomat officially accredited to Singapore and therefore could not be prevented from leaving.
Furthermore, the police had, at that time, not completed their investigations and it was not yet established that Dr Ionescu was the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident on December 15.
"The situation now is different and a different provision of the Vienna Convention now applies," the spokesman said.
"Article 39.2 of the Vienna Convention stipulates that, after a diplomat's posting ends and he leaves his country of accreditation, some of his privileges and immunities would also end.
"To be more specific, while he would still enjoy immunity for official acts, he would no longer enjoy immunity for private acts."
The Romanian government has now officially withdrawn Dr Ionescu from Singapore, thus ending his posting with effect from January 5 this year.
"He is now no longer an accredited diplomat in Singapore," the spokesman added.
The Coroner's Inquiry has concluded that Dr Ionescu was the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident and that he was acting in a private capacity and engaged in private and not official activity at that time.
The ministry's spokesman explained that therefore, Dr Ionescu does not now enjoy and cannot now claim immunity for the accident. Diplomatic immunity is no longer a relevant issue.
The spokesman said Singapore's high international reputation as a country that respects the law is a precious asset and it must always observe the law and due process.
"We have stressed to the Romanian government many times that it should persuade Dr Ionescu to return to Singapore to stand trial or, if this is not possible, to expeditiously investigate and prosecute him under Romanian law," the spokesman said.
Singapore is ready to assist the Romanian authorities to the fullest extent under its law.
The ministry's spokesman added that Singapore is waiting for the Romanian authorities to propose specific dates for their relevant officials to visit Singapore so that it can share the evidence it has with them.
The spokesman said the Romanian authorities have acted entirely properly so far and have repeatedly stressed that they share Singapore's interest in seeing justice served.
"It is not in Romania's own interest to allow the actions of one individual to continue to disgrace the entire country," he said.
- CNA/yb/al
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Recourse for victims?
ROMANIAN prosecutors have seized Silviu Ionescu's apartment in Bucharest as a hedge against potential compensation claims should the former diplomat be charged and convicted.
While it may still be early days, the Romanian legal system offers the victims of the hit-and-run accident some recourse in the country's criminal proceedings against Ionescu.
The 50-year-old diplomat is currently under investigation in Romania for manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and making false statements.
-- ST
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(Ionescu saga)- Singapore behaving in the likes of a woman scorned. [Rated PG]. Just my humble take, published here to which U may submit your comments and complaints. This article is unsuitable for those aged 18 and below, parental guidance is advised. For those who have the time and qualify, please read on, I promise you won't be disappointed, better to read about this here then elsewhere.
To understand my satire, please be aware about the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), the point of interest being the purpose for which it is written and the spirit by which it is mutually acceded- this is contained in the preamble.
In regard to the articles of the VCDR, please at least read up on the articles quoted by the SG MFA in the report: CNA 17April2010- 'MFA reiterates that Ionescu cannot now claim immunity for accident', namely article(s): 29, 31 and 39(subsection 1 & 2) which are appended as follows after the preamble. (The key sentences, by my opinion, I have highlighted them in red)
Preamble:
The States Parties to the present Convention,
Recalling that peoples of all nations from ancient times have recognized the status of diplomatic agents,
Having in mind the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations concerning the sovereign equality of States, the maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations,
Believing that an international convention on diplomatic intercourse, privileges and immunities would contribute to the development of friendly relations among nations, irrespective of their differing constitutional and social systems,
Realizing that the purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of diplomatic missions as representing States,
Affirming that the rules of customary international law should continue to govern questions not expressly regulated by the provisions of the present Convention,Article 29
The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.
---
Article 31
A diplomatic agent shall enjoy immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving State. He shall also enjoy immunity from its civil and administrative jurisdiction, except in the case of:
a real action relating to private immovable property situated in the territory of the receiving State, unless he holds it on behalf of the sending State for the purposes of the mission;
an action relating to succession in which the diplomatic agent is involved as executor, administrator, heir or legatee as a private person and not on behalf of the sending State;
an action relating to any professional or commercial activity exercised by the diplomatic agent in the receiving State outside his official functions.---Article 39
1. Every person entitled to privileges and immunities shall enjoy them from the moment he enters the territory of the receiving State on proceeding to take up his post or, if already in its territory, from the moment when his appointment is notified to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or such other ministry as may be agreed.
2. When the functions of a person enjoying privileges and immunities have come to an end, such privileges and immunities shall normally cease at the moment when he leaves the country, or on expiry of a reasonable period in which to do so, but shall subsist until that time, even in case of armed conflict. However, with respect to acts performed by such a person in the exercise of his functions as a member of the mission, immunity shall continue to subsist. ...
In my satire, the relationship between Romania MFA and Singapore MFA is described metaphorically as a marriage between 2 willing parties- Roma and Singa, the former the Husband and the latter the Wife.
It is by mutual agreement and in accordance with the terms of the VCDR that the marriage is solemnized- Romania being the sending state and Singapore the receiving as is currently the case.
As in any typical matrimony, the marriage is consummated by an emissary, the 'Appendage of Love' (Ionescu) - Romania the sending, Singapore the receiving as is the current case.
For many years was the marriage peaceful and productive, both parties enjoying the relationship, not to mention the Appendage rising to the occasion, much to the bedtime delight of both parties. However coming along in years and sinking under the pressure at work, Roma took to alcoholism; as a result, the 'Appendage-of-love' practically malfunctioned. Singa became enraged by the turn in events demanded 'justice'. To which she resolved would mean punishing the appendage. Roma, noticing her displeasure and accepting responsibility for the break down in relationship, apologizes profusely and ask how better he should make amends, keeping in mind the sanctity of their marriage. Singa unfortunately disagrees, persevering in her objective to rain justice on the 'appendage'. With the Ambassador cowing in fear and Roma totally confused, Singa calls in the police who of course dutifully arrive to take down her statement of complaint. The police officer arrives and finds Singa, dressed in white Cheong Sum, waiting impatiently at the door, visibly upset and still bitterly complaining about the inability of her husband's appendage to perform. Roma dressed in rags, cowering timidly in his room, is in tears.
Alas, the officer summons Roma from his room and notes that he is already well aware about Singa's dismay and demands. Speaking in Romanian accented English, Roma reveals that he is still shocked and confused about the whole episode over his appendage. With face buried in palms, Roma says that marriage to a Chinese girl has thus far proved stressful and it was sometimes difficult understanding Singa's demands and complying with them.
Roma declares that whilst he is willing to uphold the marriage, he finds Singa's current demands cruel and unusual and thus feels totally confused. Roma pleads with Singa how else he can make recompense but Singa remains unyielding.
The police chuckles to himself about Singa's cruel and unusual demands, not to mention the embarrassment it would cause him should Roma suddenly accede to her demands at this point of time.
Whilst sympathetic to the Singa's plight, he notes that no capital offense has been committed in this case by the appendage.
Besides just a short word of advice, the officer puts no effort in enforcing Singa's requests and writes of the matter as a simple problem of domestic marital conflict amongst a rather immature couple. He is is soon called off, to to deal with more pressing issues.
Whilst Roma remains willing to further compromise so as to defend the marriage, Singa remains adamant about her demands, the appendage being her target of scorn.Without any recourse in sight so far to reconciliation, both parties temporarily part ways to stay with their respective parents to avoid further conflict.
Singa's mom listens to Singa's problem and senses something amiss to Singa's attitude to marriage. She tells Singa that marriage is more then about just the appendage and that it is through trust and commitment that a marriage remains strong. Only this way can one's bedtime problems be solved. Further counseling reveals some of Singa's deep seated emotional insecurities, however, with her parents assistance, Singa soon makes amends in her attitude towards the marriage.
The couple return home with Singa now giving her perspective. Roma does the needful, compensating Singa for the episode of neglect promising more vigilance, Singa pledges her love to Roma. The couple reunite and continue on in marital bliss happily ever after.
=========================
It is in the spirit of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations that international relationships are maintained to this day and age. May that spirit never die.
We must all learn from our mistakes.
May God help us all to be a peaceable and friendly people living in harmony for his glory and by his word.
May God bless you all and with warmest regards,
Love,
BicCherry.
References and analogies:
- Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
- CNA 17April2010- 'MFA reiterates that Ionescu cannot now claim immunity for accident'
- "alcoholism"- 4 March: 'Dr Ionescu had drinks at 3 different locations'
- "practically malfunctioned"- 27Jan: 'Police investigations reveal Dr Ionescu was driver of car that hit 3 people last month'
- "police"- 'Interpol.int'
- "emotional insecurities"- 'PM Lee says countries worldwide respect and admire Singapore's proven system' (#t=1m10s)
- "amends"- The George Bush of Singapore (#t=1m24s)
Other references U might be interested in:
- The Ambassador - It Was Love (Music- Christianity related)
- Diplomatic immunity [wiki]
