An initiative group consisting of Moldovans who settled abroad held a diaspora conference in Chisinau to exchange experience and knowledge with representatives of the government and civil society of Moldova. The officials and personalities who attended the conference said the diaspora plays an important role in the European integration process as they can share their impressions with the relatives who remained in Moldova and can thus convince them to choose what is right for the country, IPN reports.
Head of Parliament Igor Corman said there is a direct connection between the role of the diaspora and the developments in the country, while the discussions with those who settled abroad are important for finding out the experienced problems and providing solutions to them. Moldova now faces challenges related to the November 30 parliamentary elections. The people will then decide if they want the country to continue the development path or to become a backward colony.
Ex-Premier Ion Sturza said the diaspora, by the remittances they send home, support the balance of payments of Moldova. “I call the diaspora the Moldovan petroleum. They not only bring money, but also promote the country’s image abroad,” stated the businessman. He added that those from the diaspora should not get angry if they are not understood or heard in the country as the legislation in Moldova is not yet observed as in the EU, while democracy is regarded differently here. Time will come when life in Moldova will be like in the developed countries.
Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said the country must understand that choosing the European path does not mean choosing between the East and the West. It means a choice for developing the country and reforming the institutions. Moldova is the EaP leader and the first country in the ex-Soviet area that obtained a liberalized visa regime and signed the Association Agreement with the EU. Real challenges for the country start now, related to the implementation of the Association Agreement. The experience of the Moldovans who are in the EU is necessary in this process.
Attending the event, Romanian Senator Viorel Badea noted the importance of the political influence that the diaspora can exert. In this autumn’s elections, the diaspora must defend the correct path for the country and vote for the pro-European forces as Moldova is a European state, while the Moldovans are Europeans.
