By Teh Joo Lin

ROMANIAN diplomat Silviu Ionescu, who might have been involved in a hit-and-run accident here, has made a U-turn and told journalists in his home country that he will not be returning to Singapore after all.

Last week, he had said he would come back some time this month, after seeking medical treatment for diabetes at home.

Yesterday, he said his statement had been misunderstood.

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IN a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, the Prosecutor's Office will be conducting an internal investigation into the hit-and-run accident which occurred in mid-December.

Three men were hit by an Audi A6 that was later traced to the embassy. One of them died later.

The car was then abandoned in Sungei Kadut, near Kranji.

The statement from the Romanian Ministry also said that Mr Ionescu had been recalled from his post "in order to allow for a full and fair investigation" of the case.

The Ministry also conveyed its condolences to the family of the victim and also apologised for the "occurrence of this accident", while reiterating that the circumstances were still "unclarified".

According to The Straits Times, Romania's ambassador to Singapore and Japan, Mr Aurelian Neagu, flew here for a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) with regards to this incident.

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