The Liberal Reformists Party pleads for fair diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, but deems intolerable any “big brother” approaches. Russia's hostile attitude towards Moldova must become an international topic of discussion within the World Trade Organization. PLR members think that any talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Rogozin, who will arrive today in Chisinau, are pointless, especially as some Kremlin leaders have previously said he must not be taken seriously. The statements were made at a press conference by Ana Gutu, co-president of PLR, IPN reports.

Gutu notes that after the signing and ratification of the Agreement of Association between Moldova and the EU, through which Moldova asserted its preference for the European model of development, Russia's hostilities intensified with embargoes and custom taxes for Moldovan products.

“PLR thinks that Moldova must define its relations with Russia very clearly. First of all, we must acknowledge the cooling of these relations as a result of Russia's unilateral decisions. The government must respond and introduce customs taxes for Russian products. We must initiate proceedings to exit the Commonwealth of Independent States and PLR submitted a bill to this effect. Meanwhile, Russian propaganda in Moldova is continuing and it would be technically possible to replace propagandistic newscasts and talk-shows with local shows”, said Ana Gutu.

Speaking about Dmitri Rogozin's visit in Moldova, the Liberal Reformist co-president said it is unacceptable for a Russian official who fought against the Moldovan people in the war on the Nistru and who tried to illegally transport papers according to which the Transnistrian region is separate from Moldova, to come in the country and be met by high officials. “PLR thinks that Moldova must focus on its European agenda”, she stressed.

Gutu added that PLR's stance should have been shared by the whole governing coalition. As regards the bill to exit CIS, Ana Gutu admitted that there isn't enough political will in the Parliament to pass it.