Brussels, 09/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 9 April, the European Union called for a solution to the crisis created by anti-Communist demonstrations, through “peaceful dialogue” and “respect for the rule of law”. On behalf of the EU, the Presidency calls on “all parties to demonstrate their firm commitment to European values”. It also demands “proper respect for freedom of the media and freedom of expression”.
The Moldavian president, Vladimir Voronine, accused Romania of being behind the violent flare-up in the capital city of Chisinau where young demonstrators protested against the victory of the Communists in Sunday's general elections. Voronine gave the Romanian ambassador in Chisinau 24 hours to leave the country and threatened to use force against the demonstrations if they continued.
According to AFP, Romanian-speaking Moldova, which had been governed by Romania for a long time, then incorporated into the USSR in 1944 until its independence in 1991, is one of six ex-Soviet countries with which the EU wants to strengthen ties in the “Eastern Partnership”, due to be officially launched during a summit on 7 May in Prague. Observers and analysts put the violence down to a people torn between European aspirations and a Romanian heritage and political anchorage to Moscow over the last 60 years. (L.C./transl.rh)