New Chief At Romanian Foreign Intelligence Service

Ungureanu took over his new position at the SIE headquarters in Baneasa, in an event attended by the Romanian head of state, Traian Basescu.

Basescu and Ungureanu arrived together at the SIE headquarters around 14.45 local time, and they were greeted by General Silviu Predoiu, who was interim director of SIE after the resignation of Claudiu Saftoiu. After thirty minutes, the two, accompanied by Predoiu, came down to make a brief statement.

"There is honor and great responsibility in the fact that, with my coming to the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, I receive the opportunity to participate in the strengthening and defense of our country. I believe in the strong voice of Romania and I am convinced that we must not waste our chances and that we deserve a good spot under the sun," Ungureanu said.

He turned to Basescu saying that he found in him "a very good, honest and correct partner."

"You can be convinced that this institution, which is at the basis of the rule of law, will face all challenges and it will not violate in any way the Constitution and the laws of this country," Ungureanu added.