The forum held in Tomai on February 24, where about 500 participants made a call for unity in the struggle against unionism, should be regarded through the angle of the upcoming parliamentary elections, executive director of the Association for Participatory Democracy “ADEPT” Igor Botan stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe, which was quoted by IPN.
“What we saw in 2014 and also in 2016 and what we see at present perfectly matches this formula – the struggle for power. In words, they are pro-Russian and they, probably, are like this, but when they have to form a majority on the People’s Assembly, they form it in compliance with the interests of the party that rules here, in Chisinau, and the money for development, as I said, is mainly obtained from the European Union,” said the expert
Igor Botan said the decision of the extended assembly of the local authorities of Gagauzia to celebrate 100 years of Romanian occupation in 2018 at a time when the Romanians celebrate 100 years of the Great Union is a consequence of the promises made by President Igor Dodon, who in 2016 said that during the first 100 days in office he will ban unionism because this is the most dangerous perspective for the Republic of Moldova. “Moreover, Igor Dodon as usual warns us not to play with the fire as there will be a civil war and in Tomai we heard voices saying that they will take arms in their hands to defend themselves against unionism,” stated Igor Botan.
He noted that the statements of the local authorities from the southern region and what the local authorities of the almost 40 communities where the mayor’s offices signed symbolic statements on the union with Romania do reveal an electoral battle. The final goal is to polarize further Moldova with electoral consequences.
Asked if it is serious when a member of the Cabinet declares that what they decide there is above the law, with reference to Governor Irina Vlah, Igor Botan said this does not seem serious to him as these are those who say that the power in Chisinau is not legitimate. “At least Missis Vlah, who was supported by the Socialists, after being invested Governor said it clearly that she is a pro-Russian politicians, while over 90% of the people in Gagauzia support Russia. Her former mentor Vladimir Voronin also said it clearly then: “Irina Vlah won owing to the press and the support on the part of the Russian Federation”. So, things are very clear,” said the expert.
A resolution that was adopted by the votes of about 500 persons in the meeting of the Extended Council of all the Gagauz authorities that was held in Tomai village expresses the firm position that the Gagauz autonomy and Moldova’s statehood should be kept and calls on the people to unite against unionism. Gagauzia calls on the European Union, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the United States of America, Turkey and Russia to condemn the “aggressive claims of Romania concerning the Republic of Moldova, which represent practically annexation”.
