On July 29, it is 20 years of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. IPN News Agency asked a number of analysts and opinion leaders to what extent the Supreme Law ensures now the rule of law and defends the human rights. What is and what the Constitution should be for the country and the ordinary people?
---
To what extent is Moldova neutral? Should the Constitution’s article on neutrality be modified?
Victor Ciobanu, politic al analyst:
Since we declared this principle – the principle of neutrality – and enshrined it in the Constitution, we do not form part of military blocs and are a neutral state. Certainly, any neutrality is relative. It is one thing when neutrality is recognized and guaranteed by the great powers and it is another thing when it is only declared. Thus, neutrality can be violated.
Neutrality cannot be ensured by the Constitution only, if it’s not recognized and guaranteed internationally. We have lately seen the conception of neutrality evolving into active neutrality. On the one hand, we haven’t solved the problem of the Russian military presence on the left side of the Nistru River for years. On the other hand, we cooperate more actively and more intensely with NATO, without joining this bloc.
The Constitution cannot be functional directly in this respect. It creates only a framework that ensures stability, which can be used more or less efficiently.
As to the modification of this article of the Constitution, I can say that it’s now not opportune to amend it. Any change must be done when there is broad consensus in society. Our society is still divided on this and other issues. There is no consensus (at least relative) among the political class on the matter either. Even the great geopolitical players haven’t yet reached a common view on the area where Moldova is situated. Therefore, this article cannot be modified, at least now. The omission of this article may generate useless speculations. But now we have other objectives and priorities.
---
The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova
Article 11, the Republic of Moldova is a neutral state
(1) the Republic of Moldova proclaims its permanent neutrality.
(2) the Republic of Moldova does not allow deploying military troops of other states on its territory.
