The leader of the Party of Socialists Igor Dodon, who intends to run in the race for the presidency of Moldova, said the restoration of the relations with the Russian Federation is one of the priorities of his program, but the relations with the EU will be kept. He developed the issue in the talk show “Forth power” on N4 TV channel, IPN reports.

“We need good relations with the EU in order to maintain the visa-free regime and to develop the infrastructure programs. But without the relations with Russia, our country cannot develop. We must restore the economic relations and obtain the removal of the import ban imposed on our products. Polls show that over 60% of the Moldovans want friendly relations with the Russian Federation, while more than 50% want Moldova to join the Eurasian Union,” explained Dodon.

Though he wants the relations with the EU to be kept, Dodon does not renounce the intention to denounce the Association Agreement with the EU. “This agreement was a mistake. We will keep our word,” he stated.

Asked about the legality of the presidential elections, the politician said the amendment made to the Constitution was accepted by such important European institutions as the Venice Commission. “We always pleaded for the direct election of the Head of State, but didn’t agree with the way in which the people’s right to choose the President was restored. We said we will comply if this change is recognized by the international institutions, the Venice Commission,” stated the Socialist leader.

Speaking about the Communists’ intention to boycott the presidential elections, Igor Dodon said he does not rule out the possibility that Voronin plays the game of the power. “During several years, Voronin has played the game of the Democratic Party and some time is needed for this ‘marriage’ to take place,” he noted.