Opinions for and against Moldova's deeper integration into CIS

The Moldovan MPs have different opinions about Russia's new strategy for integration into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Info-Prim Neo reports. [Liberal-Democrat MP Veaceslav Ionita, chairman of the parliamentary commission for economy, budget and finance,] considers that Moldova should avoid such kinds of stratagems. “I would not count on the CIS, but the commercial relations between the member states should be strengthened. We must solve the problems we have with Russia and Ukraine,” he said. [Economist Vadim Cojocaru, Liberal MP], said he does not believe in Russia's project. “I don't think it will be successful. We must not forget that Russia has enough problems with Ukraine and Belarus. I am in favor of Moldova's entry into the EU, not Russia. [Democrat MP Oleg Serebrian] said it is not for the first time that Russia and Premier Vladimir Putin suggest methods for reorganizing the Eurasian area, but they are not effective. “This is another attempt to reanimate a mechanism that does not work. The CIS member states have dissenting opinions as regards their development. We cannot compare now the priorities of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan with those of Ukraine or Moldova. It will be hard to identify a method of creating an integration zone in the Eurasian area. To my mind, even those who now speak about a joint area created precognitions for division – introduction of the passport regime for movement inside the CIS, export restrictions, etc.” said Oleg Serebrian. [Communist MP Igor Dodon, former Minister of Economy,] considers that Moldova will take a wrong step if it refuses to examine Russia's proposal. “If we are too categorical in our statements, we could lose a great commercial market, Russia's,” Dodon said. [Victor Stepaniuc, MP of the United Moldova group,] said the historical traditions should be observed. According to him, Moldova will be connected with the Russian area for many years on. “As a teacher of history, I can say that in the pre-state period, until 1359, Moldova had been tied with Russia from economic viewpoint as the commercial roads going to the East passed through this area. The trade relations with the Western countries were not developed. It is good that we want to penetrate the European markets, but I think we will not manage to. For us, the CIS area is convenient and can become even more convenient,” he said. Russia presented its strategy for integration into the Commonwealth of Independent States at the last meeting of the CIS Economic Council. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar said that Russia's approach is very flexible as every country has the right to decide what it wants to get involved in: Multilateral Free Economic Zone or Customs Union. The creation of the Currency Union is the ultimate phase of this process. The First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Igor Shuvalov, who is responsible for cooperation inside the CIS, will visit Chisinau as part of a tour to the CIS member states and will inform the Moldovan authorities about the new integration conception and Russia's view on this. The visit was scheduled for end-March.