Moldovan young Russians, members of party march in Chisinau on National Unity Day in Russia

The Young Russians League and members of the social-political movement Ravnopravie marched Tuesday in Chisinau on the occasion of Russia's National Unity Day. Some 30 young people walked in columns from the Government's building to the Russian Embassy chanting congratulations to the Russian officials and people. “We have gathered to display our unity and that we are ready to fight for the national interests of the Russian people,” stated Igor Tolyantsev, the League's leader. Alexandru Cot, a member of the organization, says “the development of the Moldovan state can be attained only within Russia.” “Being ever united, we'll reach what we project,” he said. The young people voiced to officialize Russian as a second state language in Moldova. “I'm a Moldovan, but Russian is important for me. The ones not speaking Russian find it difficult to study and work in this country,” Timur Bartash intervened. “We are in the street to show the authorities we want and will speak Russian at any cost,” the leader of the league stated. November 4 is a historic event for Russians. In 1612 an army of volunteers chased the Polish army out of Moscow. According to the 2004 census, the Russian represent 5.8% of the total population in Moldova.