Russia’s actions that led to the annexation of the Crimean peninsula are condemned by Moldovan civil society. In a news conference at IPN, representatives of the National Platform for the Eastern Partnership (EaP), the National Participation Council and of the National NGO Council said that Russia’s acts endanger the security of the whole region, including Moldova.
Transparency International Moldova director Lilia Karashchuk, who is the national facilitator of the National Platform for the Eastern Partnership, said the Crimean peninsula was illegally annexed by Russia. The civil society from six EaP countries condemned Russia’s actions. The activists called on the EU and the U.S. to continue to impose sanctions on Russia, asking that the EU should support these countries and should hasten the signing of the Association Agreement with Moldova.
Director of the Resource Center for Human Rights (CReDO) Sergiu Ostaf said that Russia violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine, this being recidivism as it committed similar acts against Moldova and Georgia. The authorities must intensify efforts and ensure the country’s security. The opposition that supports Russia has an irresponsible behavior, endangering the people’s lives by the promoted policies.
Victoria Bucataru, program director at the Foreign Policy Association, said Moldova faces the danger of being occupied by Russia because it is home to people of different ethnic groups that mainly support Russia. The authorities should focus on social inclusion policies for the national minorities.
East Europe Foundation president Sorin Mereacre said the propagation of pro-Russia ideas in the Moldovan mass media should be penalized. The media NGOs will determine which institutions allowed propaganda and will make their names known.
Executive director of Promo-LEX Association Ion Manole said there are signals that Russia aims to destabilize the situation also in other regions, both in Ukraine and other states. He underlined that regional security hasn’t faced such a danger since 1940.
Moldova’s civil society issued a statement condemning the actions of Russia. It will be sent to the embassies working in Moldova, including the Embassy of Russia.
