Parliament approves Mihai Balan as SIS head

Parliament has approved President Nicolae Timofti's nomination of Mihai Balan for the post of director of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) for a term of five years. Mihai Balan was endorsed with 60 votes, none from the Communists, Info-Prim Neo reports. Taking the oath of office, Mihai Balan swore to respect the Constitution and the laws of the country, defend democracy, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and Moldova's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. Prior to his appointment as SIS head, Mihai Balan served as Moldova's ambassador to Israel. He is fluent in English and Russian.