Moldovan-Romanian Relations Deteriorating
Romanian Ambassador Persona Non-Grata in Moldova
Apr 15, 2009
The relations between the two countries seem to deteriorate in the light of the most recent anti-communist protests in Chisinau. Moldovan officials accuse Romania of instigating conflict and interference in internal affairs, while the Romanian government denies any implication. The situation is delicate, considering the fact that the official language, Moldovan, is in fact Romanian and that a large part of the Moldovan population is Romanian (73%) and would like a Union with Romania.
Romanian-Moldovan Relations in the Past
The two neighboring countries had tensed diplomatic relations in the past, when many Moldovan citizens applied for and obtained Romanian citizenship after the EU accession in January 2007. The Moldovan President accused Romania of trying to diminish the power of the Moldovan state over its own citizens.
Before the parliamentary elections in April 2009, the Modovan government became very hostile to Romanian electoral observers, journalists and even tourists. Many Romanians were stopped at the border with Moldova and denied entry, being told that they have to take the HIV test, which was not compulsory for other nations.
The Anti-Communist Protests in April 2009
Following the Parliamentary elections that took place on April 5, 2009, thousands of Moldovans took the streets of Chisinau to express their disappointment with the result of the elections and with the Communist rule. Witnesses report that the Moldovan police were extremely violent against the protesters and that many were illegaly taken into custody and tortured to reveal the names of the protests instigators. One person was killed while in custody of the Moldovan police. The only explanation that was offered by the officials was that the young man was intoxicated with an unknown substance that caused his death, although deep wounds could be observed on his face and neck.
President Voronin declared that his sources confirm the involvement that Romanian had in the protests, which, according to him, were led by the Romanian secret service. He also announced that Moldova is re-introducing visas for its neighbors and that the Romanian ambassador was persona-non grata in Chisinau. Only a few days later, he also announced that Moldovan people who have double or multiple citizenship are not able to qualify for jobs in the public service. This is a very troubling issue, because many have double citizenship, Romanian and Moldovan.
The Romanian Reaction
In a discourse before the Romanian Parliament, President Traian Basescu rejected the accusations formulated by the Moldovan officials against his government. He stated that Romania has no intentions of taking control over the region of Moldova, which belonged to Romania after World War I and then taken back by the Soviets after World War II. Basescu insisted that the support which Romania is offering to Moldovan citizens has no hidden agenda and that its sole purpose is to make sure that people are not humiliated by the Communist government just because they belong to the Romanian ethnicity. The basis for action is determined by the observance of human rights and essential freedoms that were denied to Romanian citizens and journalists before, during and after the elections in Moldova. He also made clear that Romania "will analyze, in conformity with international norms, the type of humanitarian intervention and protection for the individuals whose lives and physical integrity is threatened or violated."
