Public debates are needed to specify pro-European orientation in Constitution, Valeriu Strelet

[Info-Prim Neo survey of the Series “Moldova-20! Whereto?”] [ – Do you agree that Moldova’s pro-European orientation should be laid down in the Constitution in order to guarantee the continuation of the modernization process? Will this process be interrupted if no such provisions are included in the Constitution?] – The pro-European orientation, or the European integration objective, represents a strategic foreign policy goal that is unanimously recognized by all the national political forces and laid down in numerous official policy documents and plans of actions. The accomplishment of this objective will not affect the country’s sovereignty, the human rights and fundamental freedoms and other aspects stipulated in the Constitution. The inclusion of this desideratum in the Constitution may help stimulate the European integration process and the achievement of the set objective. From another viewpoint, in order to achieve this objective we will have to revise the supreme law so as to adjust it to the new political realties. I think we should hold extensive public debates on the given issue. [ – May the Constitution be amended in Parliament or by referendum? Will the entire political class, including the opposition, and, eventually, society back such amendments?] – I believe the entire political class, including the parliamentary opposition, should back the proposal to include the European integration objective in the Constitution as the platforms of all the parliamentary parties contain this desideratum. Only the fact whether the European integration goal is a constitutional matter may cause debates as it was included in numerous strategies and policy documents. There can be invoked the practices of the EU member states – are the desiderata concerning the accession and membership of the EU stipulated in the constitutional laws of these states? As to the method of amending the Constitution, I think there should be held a national referendum on a new supreme law that would contain the European integration objective. This way, all the people will be able to express their opinion. [ – How can such changes affect the Transnistrian conflict settlement process?] – I’m deeply convinced that the artificial maintenance of the separatist Transnistrian regime is fueled by factors that have nothing to do with Moldova’s integration or non-integration into the EU. I would not express much optimism about the resolution of the Transnistrian dispute as a result of including the European integration goal in the Constitution. I consider the introduction of relevant amendments in the supreme law will not affect the conflict settlement process. Given the geopolitical interests in Transnistria, there will be preconditions for certain forces to multiply their efforts aimed at supporting the secessionist regime if the European integration objective is stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. [Svetlana Cojocaru, Info-Prim Neo] {[Info-Prim Neo Note:] More details as regards the guaranteeing of the irreversibility of the process of the country’s modernization can be found in part I of the analysis “Moldova without internal enemies” that was published on August 1, and in part II that was published on August 9, 2011.}