Romania hopes for regional prominence after NATO

By Justyna Pawlak

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Once a laggard among former Soviet allies in joining the European Union and NATO, Romania hopes the military alliance's summit in Bucharest this week will earn the Black Sea state a bigger role in southeastern Europe.

Romanian President Traian Basescu has pushed hard for the 26-member alliance to turn its attention to security issues around the Black Sea and in the Balkans, supporting membership aspirations of countries in the region.

So far, Romania's efforts to become a mouthpiece for the region have produced lacklustre results. It has become isolated in its staunch backing for Serbia and it has failed to persuade neighbouring Moldova to stay on a straight pro-western track.

But diplomats say NATO's decision to hold this year's summit, the alliance's biggest ever, in Bucharest is a sign that Romania has succeeded in drawing the focus of its policies towards security issues in its neighbourhood.

"The fact that the summit is being held in Romania, a relatively new member of the Alliance, reflects two things. One that Romania is seen as a serious player, within its capabilities," said one diplomat in Bucharest.

"It is also a recognition this region poses security challenges. This is the message the (Romanian) president and others have been spelling out clearly."

From April 2 to 4, Bucharest will open doors to NATO heads of state, including U.S. President George W. Bush, for a summit of the military alliance.

Thousands of other guests include U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Russian President Vladimir Putin.