Vladimir Voronin solicits international support in managing consequences of drought

President Vladimir Voronin has solicited support from the countries represented in Moldova, international organisations and institutions, to manage the consequences of this year’s drought, which he called disastrous. The request was made during the meeting of the head of state with the representatives of the diplomatic services accredited in Moldova, held on Thursday, June 26. Vladimir Voronin stated that the authorities would further take measures to handle the situation, relying on own financial resources. In that connection, he reminded that the Governmental Committee for emergency situations resumed its work to coordinate all the efforts needed to ensure the country’s food security, support farmers, create conditions for autumn farming activities, etc. At the same time, the Moldovan authorities will be forced to give up a series of projects and investment programmes, planned by the State Budget, including some social projects. To overcome drought, the budget plans the sum of 350 million lei which will be used to support the farmers; however this sum is insufficient for overcoming all the consequences of drought. The president qualified the situation as exceptional, thus Moldova appeals to the countries, international organisations and institutions for help. The head of state assured the foreign diplomats of transparency in monitoring the humanitarian aid. He pointed out that the humanitarian aid will be exclusively administrated and distributed by the Committee for emergency situations. According to the presidential press service, the request will be addressed to the heads of government, countries and organisations represented in Moldova, by means of letters from Prime-Minister Vasile Tarlev.