Civil Society Library inaugurated

The Institute for Development and Social Initiative (IDIS) “Viitorul” Friday opened the Civil Society Library set up with the assistance of the Embassy of Hungary in Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the Institute. “I’m convinced that the Civil Society Library will help better inform the Moldovan public and create an excellent new location for interaction, strengthening thus the civil society in Moldova,” the Hungarian Ambassador in Chisinau György Varga said. Attending the inauguration, the Ambassador of the UK to Moldova Keich Shannon stressed that the British government, as the governments of other EU member states, firmly supports the harmonious development of the civil society, which is an essential element of representative democracy. “We are ready to support this initiative that promotes the European values and goals. The role of the civil society becomes crucial,” said John Balian, Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States in Moldova. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Moldova Serghei Pirojcov underlined that the event takes place at an opportune moment. “The “Eastern Partnership” summit was held yesterday (May 7) in Prague, while tomorrow it is Europe Day. This initiative will strengthen the nongovernmental organizations as it could extend at the regional level. I wish you good luck.” “The fact that the inauguration of the Civil Society Library was attended by several EU Ambassadors, Ambassadors of the states covered by the Eastern Partnership and representatives of the United States Embassy shows the solidarity of the diplomatic community expressed in this period of insecurity or of rethinking of the legitimacy of the democratic process in Moldova,” said the director of IDIS “Viitorul” Igor Munteanu. The Civil Society Library will work Monday through Friday from 10.00 until 14.00. It is open to all the representatives of the civil society, students, researchers, mass media representatives and public authorities of Moldova. The visitors will have free access to the publications in electronic format and to foreign libraries at the Resource Center. Appointments can be scheduled on 22 18 44, the communiqué says. The Civil Society Library now includes over 500 titles.