Moldova must maintain relations with the CIS member states as it only benefits from the trade with both the West and the East. However, if choosing between the EU and the CIS, Moldova must opt for the European integration. The issue was discussed by invitees to the program “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel following legislative initiatives on the withdrawal from the CIS put forward by Liberal and Liberal-Reformist MPs, IPN reports.
Liberal-Reformist Valeriu Saharneanu asked what Moldova gains from the current economic cooperation at a time when it faces a blockade on wine exports imposed by Russia. “Russia always made sure that Moldova experiences economic problems. We are very close to the saving bank – the association with the EU,” he stated.
Valeriu Saharneanu added that Russia has imposed tough commercial rules on Moldova since 2006. Thus, the Moldovan producers penetrated other markets and no longer depend only on Russia. “Only ideological problems were promoted at the CIS summits until now. The CIS is nothing else but a form of maintaining the Russian protectorate on the post-Soviet states. Georgia withdrew from it in 2008, while Ukraine is going to leave it. We want friendship treaties with Russia and other countries and announced that we want to associate with the EU. I think we will not prejudice the economy if we leave the CIS,” he said.
Liberal lawmakers Valeriu Munteanu said it’s not so easy to leave the Commonwealth of Independent States. “Under the ratified agreement, a country can withdraw from the CIS one year after making known this intention. If the intent is backed, we will effectively leave this amorphous organization in a year. Agreeing to take part in the creation of this monster that aims only to keep Russia’s influence on the post-Soviet states was the biggest mistake made at the start of the 1990s,” he stated.
Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Andrian Candu, of the Democratic Party, said that when such proposals are submitted, all the aspects must be taken into account. “If we want to attract foreign investors, we must show that Moldova is a bridge between the East and the West. The European investors must know that they can export their products, including to the CIS states and vice versa. The CIS means not only Russia, but also Belarus, Kazakhstan etc.” he stated, adding that the European officials recommend the Moldovans to profit from the commercial relations with the CIS countries.
Constitutional expert Nicolae Osmochescu said the CIS turned from a political-economic organization into a political-military one. If analyzing the opportunities offered by the accession to the EU and the membership of the CIS, the scales incline towards the EU. The relations must be preserved, but based on bilateral treaties.
