Moldova halts international adoptions

Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin convened Wednesday a sitting on the adoptions issue, at which he decided to set a moratorium on the international adoptions, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the presidential press service. Officials presented materials certifying the direct involvement in international adoption on the part of public servants from local administrations. The president was informed on criminal schemes within these structures favoring illicit adoptions, especially by foreign citizens, reads a communique. The president believes this situation is possible first because of the corrupted clerks dealing with adoptions, and because of faulty laws. Vladimir Voronin ordered to urgently make efforts to oust any drawbacks in the adopting procedures. The president said he could not ink the law on adoption, unless the amendments to it are operated. Voronin wants to set up a Commission for international adoption headed by a deputy premier and Commission for internal adoption headed by the minister for social protection, family and child. The president has reiterated the need to implement an Adoption Registry to watch the adopted children and their families. He wants the Moldovan embassies abroad to report quarterly about such children to the Government. The moratorium will stay in force till the presidential requirements are fulfilled.