CEC authorizes Valeriu Pasat to collect signatures in favor of referendum

Signatures in support of a referendum on the inclusion of the Basis of Orthodoxy in the school curriculum will be collected during three months – from June 14 to September 14. The initiative accepted by the Central Election Commission (CEC) was put forward by the former head of the Security and Information Service Valeriu Pasat, Info-Prim Neo reports. The initiative group is composed of about 3,000 persons, who will collect signatures in all the districts of the country. Valeriu Pasat said the Government undermines the idea of introducing religion in schools. “Since the initiative was launched, this noble idea has been denigrated.” Valeriu Pasat said on June 4. He informed they sent an open letter to the MPs, but received no answer. Thus, they decided to collect signatures for a referendum. On March 25, about 600 persons from all over the country came together for a meeting to discuss the issue. The assembly elected Valeriu Pasat as chairman of the initiative group, His Holiness Anatolie, the Bishop of Cahul and Comrat, as deputy chairman, while Iurie Filip as secretary. CEC secretary Iurie Ciocan said the costs that will be incurred by the state when printing the signature collection forms will not exceed 10,000 lei. The other costs will be covered by the initiative group. At least 200,000 signatures are needed to hold the referendum.