World community takes stance on Chisinau protests

“Restoring public confidence requires that rapid action is taken to address the shortcomings noted by international observers during the elections. The Council of Europe is willing to assist in this process. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe observed Sunday's elections and noted that they met many international standards, but that further improvements were needed,” reads a statement signed by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Chairman of the Committee of Ministers and Lluís Maria De Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. “We have learned with concern about the violent events which have taken place in Chisinau following the 5 April parliamentary elections in Moldova. We call on all political leaders in the country to enter into a dialogue with a view to preventing any further violence,” reads the release. The United States regrets the violence in Chisinau that has led to injuries, damage to property and a possible loss of life, reads a press release issued by the US Embassy. “We call on all participants to refrain from violent action and to resolve their differences through peaceful means. We encourage government authorities to continue to show restraint,” reads the release. Citizens of a democracy have the right to assemble and express their views in a peaceful manner. We encourage all Moldovan citizens to work together and resolve their differences amicably, the US Embassy to Moldova states. EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner states in a release: “I am deeply concerned by reports about clashes between demonstrators and police in Chisinau. I call upon all involved to immediately stop any acts of violence. I urge all concerned to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue. I strongly call for the leaders of all Moldovan parties to call for calm, pursue dialogue and avoid statements that could further inflame the situation. I remind all parties that any complaint in connection to last Sunday's election should be addressed through the existing channels.” And the OSCE mission to Moldova condemns post-election violence and appeals to all sides for restraint, reads a release of the mission. The Head of the OSCE's Mission to Moldova, Philip Remler, condemned yesterday's outbreak of violence in the Moldovan capital following Sunday's parliamentary elections and urged all political sides to do their utmost to de-escalate the situation. The spokesperson for the Secretary-General issued a statement reading “The Secretary-General is concerned about the violent protests today in the Republic of Moldova, in the aftermath of the Parliamentary elections of 5 April. The Secretary-General strongly believes that any disagreements regarding election results should be resolved by peaceful means and calls on all parties to refrain from violence and maintain calm.” The Moldovan Foreign Ministry recalled Moldovan ambassador to Bucharest Lidia Gutu, for consultations, “in connection to the recent events occurring in the capital of our country,” reads a press release by the Ministry.