The events in Ukraine have a powerful impact on Moldova. The dramatic destabilization of the political situation in the neighboring country creates a very dangerous regional context for unpredictable developments, executive director of the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT Igor Botan said in an extensive public comment published on the website promis.md, IPN reports.
In the comment, Igor Botan says the Moldovan authorities and the leaders of the ruling parties formed attitudes based on the necessity of restoring political stability in the neighboring country, the own political objectives of European integration and the need to adjust themselves to the EU attitudes. Namely in such a context they expressed support for the European integration prospect of Ukraine and supported the installation of the acting government in Kiev and the territorial integrity of the neighboring country. But the Moldovan authorities avoided making statements and taking steps that could antagonize Russia.
Igor Botan notes that the national security of Moldova is affected on a number of dimensions. In the Transnistrian settlement process, the main players, mediators and guarantors of the settlement became enemies, while the subject of the conflict – the Transnistrian region – claims the fate of Crimea, seeking help from one of the guarantors that annexed a part of the territory of the other guarantor. Furthermore, the Transnistrian settlement process in the “5+2” format takes place under the auspices of the OSCE, whose security architecture was demolished.
The comment on promis.md reads that Moldova’s economic security is affected by the pressure exerted by the strategic partner – the Russian Federation. This thing was confirmed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who, after the visit of May 2014 to Moldova, admitted that the ban imposed on the import of Moldovan wine last September is political in character, aimed at discouraging the European integration. In such conditions, the polarization of public opinion and the political class can be exacerbated on the dimension of European integration versus the Eurasian integration, with a dénouement in the coming parliamentary elections. As people’s sympathies are already divided equally, a tight score between the two camps can cause the dissatisfaction of the defeated ones, who could stage protests, revolts and continue to destabilize the internal political situation according to the well-known models.
In the website’s section statements there are inserted quotations of politicians as regards security in the region and the possibility of Moldova joining NATO. The leader of the Liberal Party Mihai Ghimpu said that Moldova must have the guarantee of freedom and thus must join NATO. The chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat said the Americans realize that Moldova is a small country, with a relatively small army, and respect its status of neutral state. “They know that we do not tend to become a major military power. I already underlined that our Constitution provides that Moldova is a neutral state. I emphasized that everything is possible after the developments in Crimea and we should be better prepared. Consequently, for us it is important to continue cooperating with the Americans in the security sector,” he stated.
On the other hand, Democratic MP Andrian Candu, who is the Deputy Head of Parliament, said that the subject of neutrality should not be treated this way. “We have a very clear Constitution, which stipulates that we are a neutral state. Surely the Constitution can be amended, but not as regards the neutrality status. On the contrary, certain aspects should be strengthened here. The Democratic Party will soon submit a relevant legislative initiative so as to bring to an end the attempts to use this subject as a negotiable one,” he stated.
Recently, U.S President Barack Obama announced plans for a $1bn fund to finance extra U.S. troop and military deployments to “new allies” in Eastern Europe. The initiative would also strengthen the capacity of non-NATO states including Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to build their own defenses. Asked by IPN to pronounce on this intention, Moldovan lawmakers said they support the initiative to involve Moldova in this security plan. The MPs consider that such a plan would be welcome for the country, which needs to strengthen its defense.
Head of the Liberal-Democratic parliamentary group Valeriu Strelet said such an initiative is welcome for strengthening Moldova’s defense capacities as, even if it is a neutral state, Moldova must anyway be able to defend itself from possible aggression. Democratic lawmaker Sergiu Sarbu noted that any initiative aimed at strengthening security in the region is welcome, while Liberal-Reformist Oleg Bodrug, who is the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, is sure that Moldova needs such a program. Liberal MP Valeriu Munteanu considers that this initiative is in accordance with Liberals’ aspirations to see Moldova part of NATO.
