NATO forces mulling permanent presence in Romania

Bucharest, May 16 (IANS) Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Friday a possible permanent presence of NATO forces in the country would be discussed with representatives of the Romanian state.

Ponta made the remark after meeting visiting NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

"The Secretary General of NATO will discuss (the possible presence) with all the representatives of the Romanian state - president, ministers - all that pertains to the future strategy," Xinhua quoted the prime minister as saying.

He also stressed "what is important is the firm commitment to respect and solidarity with all NATO countries, including Romania".

According to Ponta, Romania is on the NATO border with "the most troublesome region," and in this point of view Romania has a "fundamental strategic role".

Rasmussen arrived in Bucharest late Thursday for a two-day official visit to Romania. He is scheduled to meet Romania's President Traian Basescu and hold a joint press conference with the president.