Moldovans are victims of a hybrid war wedged by the Russian Federation, and the prejudices created around NATO are the effects of this hybrid war, says Viorel Cibotaru, Moldova’s representative to NATO and concurrently ambassador to Belgium. According to the diplomat, Moldova needs to initiate awareness campaigns to explain the role played by NATO in ensuring global security.
In July, on the invitation of the International Republican Institute (IRI), representatives of several Moldovan parties visited Brussels, where NATO is headquartered.
“Recently, with the support of some international organizations, we hosted in Brussels a delegation of opposition parliamentary and extra-parliamentary parties, including Mrs. Irina Vlah. Everyone received answers to understand that NATO’s relationship with Moldova is not a whim, but an absolute necessity for states like the Republic of Moldova, if they want to be sufficiently relevant in the international cooperation process”, Viorel Cibotaru during a program on Vocea Basarabiei.
According to the diplomat, the Moldovan society is reluctant about the idea of Moldova joining NATO one day because of the anti-NATO rhetoric promoted insistently by the Russian Federation.
“We are the victims of an extremely intense hybrid war waged by the Russian Federation. Yes, there is a misunderstanding of the role played by NATO in ensuring international and global security. Yes, there are also certain prejudices in this regard, but it is clear that Moldova as a state should initiate correct awareness and information campaigns, pursue a strategic communication policy and adequate communication with people from different districts, not only the southern districts. Let the role of the Alliance be explained, the nature of our relations, but also the benefits and results. Whether we want it or not, Moldova today is safer thanks to NATO efforts, among others”, said Viorel Cibotaru.
According to the latest CBS-AXA poll, commissioned by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), 60.3% of respondents said they would vote against if a referendum were to be held for Moldova to join NATO.
