Members of the scientific society “Man and Universe” and of the Association of People of Science, Culture, Faith and Arts of Moldova expressed their indignation at the statements made by the British Conservative MP Philip Hollobone. The lawmaker said Moldova is a center for human trafficking and the Moldovans should be banned from entering the UK with Romanian passports, IPN reports.

A public letter, where the people of science stated their opinion, was addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the Embassy of Moldova in London, and the Embassy of the UK in Chisinau. “We are indignant at the fact that a British MP offended an independent state. The British official called on the authorities in London to take measures to prevent the Moldovans from using the Romanian passports, which help them to get to the UK,” reads the official letter.

Professor Trifan Miroliubov, executive director of the scientific society “Man and Universe”, said that regardless of the reasons for making such discriminatory statements, the people of science are concerned about the image created to Moldova in the European press.

”We ask you to intervene so that MP Philip Hollobone apologizes publicly for the offence caused to millions of Moldovans everywhere,” says the letter.

In a meeting with acting Prime Minister Vlad Filat earlier, UK Ambassador in Chisinau Keith Shannon said there are appreciable differences between the articles that appeared in the press and the positive official position of the British state towards the Moldovans, including those who chose to work in the UK.