The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Kozak said a parliamentary coalition should be formed in voters’ interests. However, in the political context existing in the Republic of Moldova, a coalition could be created at least between the political forces that are ready to form even a temporary coalition so as to hold free, fair and transparent parliamentary elections. He made the statement in a press briefing held jointly with President Igor Dodon in Chisinau, IPN reports.
In another development, the Russian official said he came to Chisinau namely in this period, before important political decisions with an impact for the next few years are taken, to familiarize all the political forces with Russia’s position.
“I came now on purpose and I know that the guests from the U.S. and the EU came here to clarify their position before important decisions for the next few years are taken and also because the three political forces that entered the current Parliament are unable to negotiate. Therefore, snap elections are possible now or later,” he stated.
In the same connection, Kozak said noted that Russia does not want to become involved in Moldova’s internal affairs, but if snap elections are held in the nearest future, Russia’s position and the Venice Commission’s recommendations concerning the replacement of the electoral system should be taken into account so that this system is maximally transparent.
As to Russia’s position on Moldova’s development course, the Russian official said this is balanced and does not exclude the European course, but the bridges or the cooperation with the Eurasian Union and with the East should not be burned.
President Igor Dodon said trade between Moldova and Russia at the end of 2018 was US$ 940 million. In 2017, this figure stood at US$ 826 million, while one year earlier at US$ 769 million. In January – March 2019, Moldova’s exports of fresh fruit to Russia rose by 27% compared with the corresponding period last year. Exports of canned vegetables increased by 20%, while of wine products by 43%.
