The National League of Mayors Associations of Moldova (LNAPM) accuses the central authorities of “brutal and lacking self-control interferences” in the activity of the local authorities and of the fact that it started the construction of the railroad segment Cahul-Giurgiulesti without the authorisation of the local councils of these settlements. A press-release of LNAPM says that the works related to the construction of the railroad were started without a thorough study on the impact over the environment and could cause an ecologic disaster. The procedures on transmitting the lands, which are the property of the territorial-administrative units to the property of the state, violates the right to private property, and there are offered no guarantees for possibly claimed damages. “We consider that such an arrogant attitude can make less credible the previous promises of the central authorities to make everything possible to respect the interests of the local communities, abstain from putting pressure on the local councillors and local civil servants, discuss with the representatives of the local authorities all the problems related to local autonomy”, the press release of LNAPM says. The League affirms that it will enter legal procedure against the state in case the project started in the southern part of the country will endanger the environment and will run counter to the legal interests of the population. “As legitimate representatives of the local authorities we call on the central authorities to abstain from violating the provisions guaranteed by the Constitution of Moldova and we recommend the central government to discuss with the local authorities of Cahul all the problems related to the local autonomy and to offer guarantees for all the damages”, the quoted source says. LNAPM mentions that it will inform the international bodies about the cases of economic, financial and political intimidation of the local authorities. The railroad segment is being constructed in the Prut River Meadow, Natural Park protected by means of the legislation of Moldova and international conventions RAMSD and ESPOO. The 50 km-long segment has to ensure the connection between the railways and seaways, for Giurgiulesti Port. The project costs about MDL 840 mln. The construction works were started at the end of May 2007.