Moldova has proved it can exist independently. Info-Prim Neo interview with Ion Ciubuc, Moldova's prime-minister in two successive cabinets

[ - Where do you think Moldova has gone to in its way to independence in 17 years?] - Moldova, after 17 years since declaring its independence, has proved a thing, which, in my view, is the most important – this country can exist independently, can build its economy and foreign policy and has sufficient potential to become a full-right member of the European family in the future. Certainly, for that, one needs time, patience, courage and much effort. We should work and be united in this belief. When we demonstrate, through concrete facts, our aspirations, we'll go at high pace towards a more dynamic development, and then we'll have another image in the world and will acquire the respect of neighboring states. [ - How independent is Moldova now? Independent from whom or from what?] - Let's be honest: what independence can one talk about in the period of economic globalization, of the struggle for sales markets, of some Great Powers' willing to assert themselves on the international arena, to maintain their influence areas at any cost... It would be ridiculous to assert we are so independent that we can dictate conditions or influence. I think Moldova can extend its independence margin when one understands a thing very well known by our wise peasants: gentility, consistency in actions, true friends – this could be our richness, which, I assure you, would help us a lot in developing our state. You know, one should do it as in a young family. If there is understanding, then the young spouses are going to make a nice house and will grow children, will teach them and will be gladdened by their grandchildren. But if one does it vice versa, then one is not going to to have big chances for a better life. We'll go on being proud we're independent and nothing more... [ - How do you think you being a prime-minister influenced the country's development and how was your mandate different from the previous and the subsequent ones?] - The period when I was a prime-minister was different by the fact that I think it was one of the most difficult periods from the independence history. I inherited only wage and pension arrears, a weak economy and lack of economic reforms... It was very difficult then to set your priorities, because the situation demanded urgent steps in most of areas. I consider the year 1997 was a success. The most important achievement was that the Cabinet team managed to mobilize the existent potential and especially the people. That year, we manage not only to pay the current wages and pensions, but to liquidate all the debts. As a consequence, people regained the trust in their power to overcome the hardships. That year, for the first time after the independence, the economic growth was registered. I consider the diplomatic management of the relationships with Transnistria to have been positive. Using the diplomatic relationships, we managed to mark the borders with Ukraine. The exit to the Danube was legalized, what has and will have positive consequences for Moldova's social-economic life. During the rule of our team, Moldova joined the Francophonie. A number of reforms were started, as the agricultural one, the administrative one, etc. Yet that successful start in 1997 unfortunately ceased after the 1998 elections, when the Alliance for Democracy and Reforms swept to power. Also the global financial default came, which affected our country essentially. In the new parliament it was the reasons and the interests of parties which prevailed over the national interests. The history will judge us, but I think the Alliance forces are the ones which should be “thanked” for the economic brakes during that difficult period for our country. [ - Which are Moldova's biggest failures and for which of them you assume responsibility as a prime-minister?] - In general, one of Moldova's pains is the people's lack of trust in the future, the youth lacking persuasion not to leave the country, their lack of certainty that there is a future for them and their children. Speaking concretely about myself as a prime-minister during that period, I consider I failed to convince the ruling parties in terms of introducing specialists from the Cabinet. As a result, in the extremely hard conditions of our economy, we found we were as if in the fable “The Crawfish, the Swan and the Pike” with all the respective fallouts. Lacking time and because of the reasons mentioned above, one did not manage to use enough the potential of the international bodies. [ - If you were trusted a new mandate, what would you do differently so that the people feel comfortably in their homes?] - If it were the case, I would go the same way, but I would be more insistent in realizing the Government's rights according to the legislation, especially in terms of making the Cabinet and executing the Government's decisions. I would stress on favoring the local and foreign investments, on creating new jobs, on creating working and living conditions, in order to prevent the youth's exodus and to stabilize our future. [ - How long would it take Moldova to reach the level of a country with a comfortable living standard for its citizens and what kind of government it needs to have that?] - Everything depends on us. Larger economic potentials, we guide ourselves by, reached their economic level after a long period, incomparable with the period of history. Generations and Governments with different economic views have changed. I consider Moldova also needs a longer period and real projects of social-economic development. We have the possibility to reach the goal quicker, if we draw conclusions from what the neighboring countries did it right.