Calm Returns to Romania Town Torn by Riots
A wave of strikes that virtually paralyzed this ethnically split Transylvanian town ended today as mediators discussed replacing local authorities accused of failing to stop this week’s unrest.
The city, where seven people died in clashes between Romanians and ethnic Hungarians that peaked Tuesday night, was reported to be calm after a commission of inquiry agreed that the Hungarian minority has a right to education in its native tongue, an issue that contributed to the clashes.
Small groups from both ethnic groups milled around the heavily guarded City Hall on the picturesque Square of Roses, where most of the clashes took place. Tanks, paramilitary policemen and soldiers surrounded the building where the central government’s commission of inquiry met with representatives of both sides in an effort to defuse tension.
On Thursday, thousands of anti-Hungarian demonstrators rallied in Tirgu Mures for a fourth straight day of protest. They dispersed peacefully in the evening after Deputy Prime Minister Gelu Voican promised them that Transylvania would remain part of Romania.
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