Romania not to stop upholding Moldova’s accession to EU

BUCHAREST

Romania will not stop upholding the idea that the Republic of Moldova must be included in the European Union (EU), irrespective of how the relations between the two countries will develop, said President Traian Basescu on Friday.

Basescu made the remark in Piatra Neamt of northeastern Romania when attending the official opening of the first Forum of the Local Authorities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. 

“Irrespective of the governmental relation, Romania will not stop upholding the idea that the Republic of Moldova must be included in the EU,” stressed Basescu.

He noted that a better cooperation between the local administrations in Romania and the Republic of Moldova could consolidate the historical relations between the two countries.

He said the fundamental premise for the functioning of the partnership between the authorities of the two countries is the political will, underlining the importance of direct dialogue and interpersonal contacts.

Almost 150 city mayors in Romania and the Republic of Moldova attended the first Forum of the Local Authorities in Piatra Neamt. Debates are focused on the administrative decentralization in the fields of public health care, public order, culture and social assistance.

The bilateral relations between Romania and Moldova became tense after the Romanian ambassador to Moldova has been declared “persona non grata”, with Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin saying that Romania was involved in election protests in Chisinau that led to disorder and vandalism.

Basescu said later that the accusations of Moldovan authorities are unacceptable.

Romanian Foreign Minister Cristian Diaconescu said Tuesday that Romania will solve its problems with the Republic of Moldova through dialogue.