The Embassy of Poland in Chisinau, in concert with the Polish Institute in Bucharest, mounted an exhibition of photographs entitled “From Solidarity to Roundtable Talks” in the hall of the Parliament Building. The pictures illustrate the negotiations held by representatives of the Polish Communist government with the opposition “Solidarity” in the summer of 1989. These talks led to the first free elections in the modern history of Poland, IPN reports.

Head of Parliament Igor Corman congratulated the Polish people on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the holding of the first democratic elections in Poland and thanked the Polish authorities, in the presence of Polish Ambassador in Chisinau Artur Michalski, for the support offered to Moldova in the political and economical rapprochement with the EU.

“Moldova and Poland have many things in common when it is about the ensuring of economic and political freedom. Poland, which joined the European Union in 2004, played an important role in creating the Eastern Partnership that opened new opportunities for Moldova, including concerning the liberalization of the visa regime and the country’s modernization, in accordance with the European standards,” said Igor Corman.

For his part, Ambassador Artur Michalski said that Poland was the first country in the post-Soviet area that held free elections 25 years ago.

“The elections were the result of a difficult compromise reached at roundtable talks between the Communist regime and the opposition “Solidarity”. The opposition used that chance and obtained everything it could. The size of the victory surprised the Communists. A new, non-communist government was formed after the elections, followed by the Autumn of the People, the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia,” stated the diplomat.

Artur Michalski reiterated that Poland will continue to support Moldova in its European integration efforts. “Moldova’s political class is determined to achieve this goal and the work done in this respect started already to produce results. In time Moldova will become part of the large European family, though culturally and historically you have always formed part of it. I wish the Moldovans success from the heart,” he said.

The photo exhibition ““From Solidarity to Roundtable Talks” will continue until June 13. Entrance is free of charge.