The European integration does not hinder the development of Moldova’s relations with other states and is first of all a process of modernizing the country in all the spheres: justice, education, economy, culture, and others, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said in a meeting with representatives of the national minorities of Moldova, held in Chisinau on February 4, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué from the Government.

The Premier specified that special attention in the process of negotiating the liberalization of the visa regime with the European Union was devoted to the interests of the national minorities and to keeping the traditions and ethnical diversity in Moldova. Building society based on such principles as tolerance, nondiscrimination and, especially, the respect for the rights and interests of the national minorities is an important objective of the Government.

“What unites us all is the wish to live in an independent state where the human rights and freedoms are observed and good conditions are created for work and life. This can be achieved by integration into the EU,” said Iurie Leanca.

The representatives of the ethnical community formulated a number of requests concerning the inclusion of the national minorities. It was underlined the importance of developing efficient programs for studying the official language. The participants in the meeting said the ethnical associations and communities plead for Moldova’s statehood, independence and integrity. They expressed their wish to actively become involved in the decision-making process.