PARLIAMENT APPROVES LUCA NICULESCU GOVERNMENT

BUCHAREST, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Romanian lawmakers have approved the government of Luca Niculescu, an independent candidate seeking to end months of political crisis.

Addressing lawmakers in parliament after the vote, Niculescu thanked them for their confidence, the Associated Press reported.

"This is an important moment for Romania. We are emerging from a six-month crisis and getting straight to work," he said.

He announced that the new government would hold its first meeting later this evening.

"The priorities are well known. Romania can no longer wait," Niculescu stressed.

His government received 280 votes in favor, while 58 lawmakers voted against it.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan nominated 55-year-old Niculescu, a diplomat and former journalist, for prime minister on October 5.

It was Dan's fourth nomination for the post, after the three previous candidates failed to form a government.