Vladimir Voronin: European integration means a stronger state and prosperity

Moldova is a country divided by a territorial conflict, with low incomes, and whose statal and national identity has not become a certainty for some of its neighbours yet, said Vladimir Voronin in his speech delivered yesterday at the summit of presidents of Central European countries, in Brno, Czech Republic. In his opinion, Moldova has to work on two main issues on its way towards the European integration: modernising the country according to European standards and becoming a prosperous country. According to the head of state, the modernisation of Moldova can not be reached without a true sovereignty and without territorial integrity. Voronin said there are certain scenarios, which do not let Moldova overcome the current state of affairs, considering these scenarios as challenges both for the country and for the European Union. In reference to Transnistria, Voronin expressed his confidence that the conflict will be solved in a spirit of European values, which supposes demilitarisation; interdiction for foreign troops to stay in Moldova; a reasonable status for Transnistria; the rule of law and respect for human rights. In this context, Voronin underlined that Moldova will keep its military neutrality and will not join military blocs. Moldova advances to the European integration as a neutral state, and this is absolutely corresponding to the present state of mind of Moldovans and to the basic principles of security, which we consider the most appropriate for the current situation. Vladimir Voronin said that the European integration will be nothing but a slogan for Moldova as long as it will not become a prosperous state. Speaking about the solutions for achieving this objective he recalled the country’s efforts to reassess the advantages of Moldova’s geographical position so as to become the most active region for the economic interaction between the EU and Eastern Europe. According to the head of state, by obtaining the autonomous commercial preferences for the EU markets and keeping a free trade zone with Belarus, Ukraine, Russia and Romania constitutes, Moldova proves that it has identified its exclusive resource for ensuring a stable economic growth. A zero-rate tax on income is also a factor which could spur investments and upgrade the country’s economy, Vladimir Voronin concluded.