Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 20, 2007

Exit Polls Indicate Romanian President Survives Impeachment Referendum
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=178BFFF:A6F02AD83191E160664423B4DC04C8D79574F7DCC14957C0 Traian Basescu
accuses members of parliament of trying to stop him from moving ahead
with anti-corruption reforms





Surrounded by media, Romanian President Traian Basescu casts his vote
in his impeachment referendum in Bucharest, 19 May 2007Exit polls
indicate that suspended Romanian President Traian Basescu has survived
Saturday's impeachment referendum with more than 75 percent of the
vote.

Romanian television reported that two polls showed Mr. Basescu winning
with 75 and 78 percent. It said that the voter turnout was about 30
percent.

Mr. Basescu told Euronews television earlier today that members of
parliament acted to stop him from moving ahead with anti-corruption
reforms. But he added those reforms are vital under the terms of
Romania's membership in the European Union.

The president's rival, Prime Minister Calin Pepescu-Tariceanu, accused
him of resorting to rhetoric to please the crowds.

One of Mr. Basescu's harshest critics, former president Ion Iliescu,
says that Mr. Basescu must leave or political disputes will continue.

Mr. Basescu, who was a mayor of Bucharest, came to power in 2004,
vowing to reform the government and ensure the independence of the
judiciary. He has accused the prime minister of serving special
interests.

His opponents, mostly Social Democrats and former communists, have
accused him of violating the constitution.

The parliament voted to suspend Mr. Basescu last month, but he refused
to resign.

Some information in this report provided by AP and AFP.


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