Supporters of the local referendum on Moldova’s foreign policy course and on the deferred status of the territorial autonomous unit Gagauzia, set for February 2, staged a protest in Comrat on January 18. The event involved about 300 persons, including members of Moldova’s Parliament from Gagauzia, members of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, leaders of youth organizations from the region and the leadership of the Party of Socialists of Moldova, IPN reports.

The politicians and activists criticized the authorities’ policy on the European integration and underlined that the inhabitants of the autonomous unit should inform the official Chisinau about their position on the matter.

In the end, the protesters adopted a resolution calling on the people of Gagauzia to take an active part in the February 2 referendum.

A similar event was held in the central square of Ceadir-Lunga on January 19. It involved about 3,000 people. The Governor of Gagauzia, members of Moldova’s Parliament and the People’s Assembly, activists of local political movements and guests from Chisinau and the neighboring districts spoke about the importance of taking part in the referendum there.

IPN reported earlier that the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia decided to hold a referendum in the region on February 2. The voters will answer two questions: about the country’s external development course and about Gagauzia’s right to self-determination if Moldova loses its sovereignty. On January 3, the Comrat court nullified the given decision of the People’s Assembly. Nevertheless, the region’s administration intends to organize the plebiscite. The referendum issue was last week discussed in the Government and Parliament. According to Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, a delegation of ministers and lawmakers will go to Comrat on January 20 to discuss the created situation and the economic, social and juridical problems faced by the region with representatives of the local authorities.