The heads of Parliament of the Baltic and Nordic states who came together in Chisinau for the NB – 8 Summit consider that a referendum on signing the Association Agreement with the EU is not necessary in Moldova. The leaders of the Baltic and Nordic legislative bodies assured that after this accord is signed, their Parliaments will ratify it as a matter of urgency. Related statements were made in a news conference after the meeting of the foreign officials with leaders of the parliamentary groups of Moldova and with Speaker Igor Corman, IPN reports.
Igor Corman said that it is for the first time that such a summit is held in Chisinau and that the heads of Parliament of the Baltic and Nordic countries come together in Moldova. The foreign officials will have meetings with civil society as well. The meeting with faction leaders centered on Moldova’s European agenda. The Moldovan Speaker asked the countries to ratify the Association Agreement with the EU immediately after it is signed and to support the strengthening of the parliamentary activity and the adjustment of the national legislation to the European one.
The Speaker of Latvia Solvita Āboltiņa said that she recommended paying greater attention to the Eastern Partnership. This visit to Moldova was opportune given that Russia violates the international law and such behavior is inacceptable. All the parties of Moldova must become involved in the European integration process. Latvia supports the association between Moldova and the EU and the ratification of the accord will be a priority for it.
Swedish Speaker Per Westerberg said that his country, owing to the rapprochement with the EU and the subsequent entry into the Union, became one of the wealthiest countries after being one of the poorest. Neither Moscow nor Brussels can decide Moldova’s future. Only the country’s people can do it. The Association Agreement with the EU opens many doors to the country’s prosperity and this means more jobs and investments.
Eiki Nestor, Head of the Parliament of Estonia, said that his country became a success story during the 10 years of membership in the EU. If Moldova negotiates seriously, it will have the same prosperous future. Europe has its arms open to Moldova because this state forms part of Europe.
Finish First Deputy Speaker Pekka Ravi said that his country supports Moldova’s integration into the EU and encourages the further implementation of reforms, fulfillment of the commitments concerning human rights and other democratic principles.
Bertel Haarder, First Deputy Speaker of Denmark, said that he came to Chisinau to show solidarity with the Moldova people and because he is concerned about the developments in Ukraine. His country has a rich experience in holding referendums and the association with the EU is not an issue that should be put up for plebiscite.
Loreta Graužinienė, Head of the Parliament of Lithuania, said that full support for the European integration of Moldova was expressed in the last conference of the EU Heads of Parliament. Ten years after joining the EU, the Lithuanians cannot image being outside the Union. The signing of the Association Agreement with the EU is not a referendum issue as it will be hard to explain to the people what they should choose between. A referendum will be needed in case of entry into the EU.
Norwegian Deputy Speaker Kenneth Svendsen said that Norway supports Moldova in its self-determination and European integration efforts. Even if Norway is not an EU member state, it benefited from the close relations with the Union and Moldova will also benefit from coming closer to the EU.
The foreign officials said they do not want a war in Europe. They want only stability and respect for international law. They called on the Moldovan authorities to use the national minorities to create cooperation bridges with other states, not as causes for instability.
