Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița said the decision concerning the ribbon of Saint Gheorghe taken by the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia is not a law that can be adopted and runs counter to the national legislation. Beyond the legal aspects, it is important for the citizens to realize that this symbol is used now in a war and we don’t need this ribbon to celebrate peace, IPN reports.
“In fact, it goes to two legal documents – a law and a decision. The decision was already published, but was suspended. The law hasn’t been yet published and couldn’t be challenged by the local office. Beyond these legal aspects, what the citizens need to understand is that this symbol, this ribbon is used now in an active war between Russia and Ukraine. In Ukraine, there is a real tragedy and catastrophe. Civilians, women and children, die. Those who entered Ukraine use this ribbon,” the Premier stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe.
Natalia Gavrilița noted that on May 9 the citizens of the Republic of Moldova will celebrate the end of World War II and the establishment of peace on the European continent. “I remember how we celebrated May 9 with my family, when my grandfather who fought in World War II was alive. There was no trace of this ribbon and we anyway celebrated because he remained alive, because it was peace and we every time prayed for peace. So, we do not need this ribbon, which is now a war ribbon, to celebrate peace. I think many citizens realize this. It does not go to ethnicity, nationality,” explained the official.
Premier Gavrilița said such countries as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan banned the ribbon and even banned the May 9 parade and other festivities only because the time is now not opportune.
She noted that the forces in Moldova on May 9 will do their best to avoid provocations and to maintain public order. “If we look at the law, we see that the penalty for wearing the ribbon is a fine or community service. We live in a modern world and have video recordings and can penalize not necessarily at the scene as a crowd cannot be punished all together. There are other punishment possibilities,” said the official.
