MAE warns about separatist trends in southern Moldova

The president of the European Action Movement (MAE) Veaceslav Untila considers that the recent speech 'to the nation' made by the Governor of Gagauzia Mihail Formuzal aims at destabilizing the situation in Moldova's south, Info-Prim Neo reports. A statement made public by the party in a news conference on April 19 says the authorities of Comrat are trying to administratively and territorially redivide Moldova so as to federalize it or form a confederation. According to the party's president, initiative groups have been created in the villages Tvardita, Valea-Perjei, Corten and Cairaclia for organizing a referendum where the population will be asked to pronounce on the future of these settlements. “We do not question the right to such a democratic exercise, but we must establish what goal is pursued by trying to territorially extend Gagauz-Yeri. Europe approves of the autonomy model used in southern Moldova and praises us for giving Gagauzia broad powers,” Veaceslav Untila said. MAE vice president Iurie Colesnic stressed that the party condemns the separatist trends in the southern districts of Moldova. The MAE calls on the decision makers to more seriously treat this issue. Last week, in an address to the people living in southern Moldova, Mihail Formuzal said the Gagauz region should be offered greater autonomy, especially from economic viewpoint, so as it could attract more investments from abroad. “Gagauzia was and will remain part of Moldova. But if someone wants that the status of the country be changed, the Gagauz people will use the right to decide their fate by themselves,” he said.