Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-03-14-Speech-4-197"
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"en.20020314.10.4-197"2
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"When, after the elections a year ago, a Communist government took up office in Moldavia, it was, of course, only a matter of time before that country was the subject of discussion in this Parliament, and that day has now come. I would have preferred us to use our direct contacts with the parliament in order to raise a few issues which would possibly be the topics of debate at a later date, but I understand that some groups want to discuss this today. It seems like a good idea to me. It is important for the European Union to devote more attention to what is already considered Europe’s poorest country. A country riddled with problems, not only political problems, but also major social problems including those involving poverty, health care and the care of seriously disadvantaged children. Precisely in a situation of this kind, it is, of course, very frustrating that it is the government that should be encouraging these contradictions in a country that is, in fact, disoriented, that is unable to choose between the East and the West, a country that is rather divided.
What struck me was that the recent protests were not only against the government but also mainly in favour of Europe, and this shows how the contradictions are evolving in that country. In my view, the government has made a huge mistake by presenting controversial proposals which, precisely in the areas of language and the teaching of history, have caused a great stir. Fortunately, the government has since realised that things are not that simple and has retracted a number of these measures, partly under pressure from the loud protest from outside Moldavia.
Today, too, we must stress that the government should realise that it should stop interfering with, and sabotaging, the opposition. A warning has been issued about lifting the immunity of certain politicians. This is not acceptable, in my view. The opposition must be left alone, reflecting the dignified manner in which the opposition protested against the government measures. What should be avoided at all costs in that country is a situation in which one group tries to force the other in a certain direction, either the direction of Russia or that of Europe. This is something on which the people themselves must be able to decide in their own time and in a democratic climate.
I already mentioned that this debate is also an opportunity to say that the European Union should do more. I have understood that the Commission is looking into the possibility of granting more direct aid to the people in the country itself. By aid, I mean health care, social development and such like. In my view, we can, above all, ask the government and all the people in Moldavia to create a situation in that country in which the international community can operate more effectively, for we are often very hampered in what we want to do there.
Finally, it is important in my opinion to urge the countries in that region to contribute to Moldova’s stability and to help find a solution to the problem involving Transdniestria, for that is also a heavy burden resting on Moldova. It is an issue on which Romania and Russia should exercise restraint, in my view, but to which the European Union in particular, together with the OSCE, should look to find a solution."@en1
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