Romanian parliament to vote on motion to oust president

A simmering political crisis in Romania has blown into the open after the parliament initiated moves to oust the president, Traian Basescu, following accusations that he has acted in breach of the constitution. A 17-page motion to suspend Basescu was submitted to parliament and will be voted on on Friday by a chamber dominated by the USL party of the prime minister, Victor Ponta, who since he was elected on 7 May has been locked in a power struggle with Basescu. If the document passes, a referendum on the president's removal is to be held within a month. The interim presidency would be assumed by the newly appointed president of the Senate, Crin Antonescu.