BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marked Romania's 20th anniversary of its revolution, saying America was proud to call Romania an ally.
"Today is an opportunity to celebrate the great progress Romania has achieved in the years since those fateful December days," Clinton said in remarks posted on the State Department Web site. "Twenty years ago, no one knew what would emerge from the ruins of Communism. But because of the determination and courage of the Romanian people, today their country stands as a strong democracy, a vibrant new member of the European Union, and a valued member of NATO."
Clinton said the United States is proud to call Romania a friend and ally, Romania's HotNews Web site reported Friday. She also called for a re-affirmation of "the values championed by the brave men and women of 1989 -- democracy, human rights, the rule of law -- and to working together to meet the challenges of the 21st century."
