[The Republic of Moldova at an intersection of years – Info-Prim Neo survey] “In 2009, Moldova experienced tragedies, problems and hopes,” the independent expert in security matters Vlad Lupan told Info-Prim Neo. “A tragedy was when the security system hit the people, infringing their constitutional rights,” Vlad Lupan said, referring to the April 7 events. “The tragedy was not the vandalizing of the Parliament's building and the Presidential Office. The given actions were a sign that Moldova's security system isn't working as they resulted in death and torturing.” According to the expert, the economic crisis affected all the country's people last year and created to the authorities a lot of troubles that the people should help solve. “The economic problems cannot be solved if there are security-related problems,” Vlad Lupan said. “One cannot ensure sustainable economic development without ensuring energy security. The fuel prices will determine the development of the prices of many other products.” According to Lupan, 2009 yielded hopes. The most important one is that the situation will improve. “Those dramatic April days brought hopes and a change, which was declared European. We will be waiting for concrete steps in all the areas, reforms in education, healthcare and other sectors,” Lupan said. “The Transnistrian conflict is also a major security problem that we hope will be solved. The first step to change the attitude was already taken. It is said that the dissolution of the Reintegration Ministry will affect the conflict settlement process. But the transformation of the Ministry into an office subordinated directly to the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova shows that the dispute is high on the list of priorities. This was also confirmed by the resumption of the consultations in the 5+2 format that were interrupted several years ago. The foreign partners approve of such a step, which could give a fresh impetus to the negotiation process,” the expert said. Vlad Lupan hopes a stable political system will begin to be created in 2010 and there will be held no parliamentary elections. The expert said the population does not want elections and the situation can be overcome by the constitutional reform. “The constitutional reform can be a solution for avoiding early legislative elections and solving the institutional crisis in Moldova. In fact, the Constitution is the one that causes instability in the country. The present administration should concentrate on this aspect. “The economic crisis can deepen in 2010. We should not fight the consequences of the crisis, but prevent its causes, like a good doctor. The reforms in the state security system, economy and energy sector are very important. We must tailor the governmental institutions to the new realities and requirements so that the state serves the people's interests,” independent expert Vlad Lupan said.