Yesterday night a bomb exploded at a concert with the Russian band Bravo in Chisinau. A young man dressed in black was seen firing a weapon, before the grenade detonated. 40 young moldovans were taken injured to hospital, but no one was killed.
Today, a man was threatening the parliament with a bomb tied to himself, but he was arrested by the police before anyone was hurt.
It is hard to believe. I remember rock concerts I've been to in Chisinau. The one with Russian bands were the best. I remember the park where the bomb exploded, it was an oasis where I used to sit before work, drinking my coffee.
The accident is obviosuly linked to the political chaos/stalemate in Moldova. It is scaring, but maybe not surprising that someone is prepared to kill to reach their vicious ends. It seems this time the aim was to raise tentions, to create fear and confusion. The act is a cold blooded speculation in civil war, but I am convinced it will fail.
There are plenty of crazy people in Moldova. But I know that the youth of this battered country will not let themselves be fooled to use violence against each other, or anyone else. One can speculate about who lies behind this deed, but I don't want to do that. I just don't want to believe the news today.
You can read the news in English, Romanian, Swedish
Showing posts with label Moldova. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moldova. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ole Ole Ole! Voronin nu mai e!*
Today, Friday 11 September Vladimir Voronin, the Communist president that has led Moldova with an ever hardening pathriarcal hand from stalemate to stalemate throughout eight years , has resigned. What will happen in the future is far from clear. The communist is the strongest party, the opposition coalition is untested, and Moldova is utterly dependent on geopolitical developments decided far from Chisinau. But I doubt that anyone will miss Voronin.
Pa Pa!
An article on Voronins imminent resignation in Radio Free Europe
*"Ole Ole Ole! Voronin is no more" - this was sung on the streets of Chisinau in the revolts in April. It was too early, but true.
Picture originates from Wikipedia Commons, but was adapted in the maladets! laboratories...
Pa Pa!
An article on Voronins imminent resignation in Radio Free Europe
*"Ole Ole Ole! Voronin is no more" - this was sung on the streets of Chisinau in the revolts in April. It was too early, but true.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Global heating craps Borisovs anti-crisis policy, but salvation might be imminent.
If you only will read three... eh... five words today, read these:----The communists lost in Moldova----
If you've decided to read more, find the news on New York Times or the BBC .
The new government will have a lot to deal with, as do the new Bulgarian. And the biggest problems might not even be corruption...
In an earlier post I praised Bojko Borisov, Bulgarias new premier minister for putting agriculture on the agenda. Borisov stressed that employment in the agricultural sector is an important buffer in times of unemployment and the need to develop the Bulgarian countryside. It might be bullshit, but at least the guy has spotted an important problem.
One week the Bulgarian ministry of agriculture announced that the agriculture output in Bulgaria will be ca 20% lower in 2009 than in 2008, Noggers Blog reports. And it is not only Bulgaria...
Similar numbers are announced on marketskeptics . Argentina, Ukraine, the US, Russia... all report falling sales. Sometimes aggravated by bad politicians, but the main reason is one - heat and drought. Caused by climate change.
On marketskeptics you can see a nice graph of the sugar price hitting an all time high, so I guess food prices are set to get higher globally... but maybe we should be happy as long as there is something to eat.
As gloomy as these numbers sound, there is no reason to despair. I am sure most people who read this blog can easily consume 20% less in general. Myself I could easily eat 20% less if I had to. Maybe I should try it next week... to take a single hot dog in stead of a double, 33 cl of beer in stead of 50 cl...
Food is important. In the interconnected world it is very easy to forget that the coffe you drink actually come from a plantation, dependent on water and sun etc... Sometimes I feel the internet has only alienated us even further from this basic reality. That's why I was really happy to see the homepage of Smaka på Skåne.
Skåne is the southernmost region in Sweden, whereto I will soon move. If you write "potato" in the search field, you will get results where in Skåne you can buy potatoes produced on local farms. Food that has not travelled all over the world letting out CO2 and poison. It is just genius, a combination of internet technology and local farming.
This one is only in Swedis for obvious(?) reasons. But I guess it could be easily translated.
The picture is purely there for aestetical reasons, taken in Texas in 1955. It is taken from flickr, credits to austrini, found through creative commons
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Elections in Moldova
For the second time this year, Moldovans went to the polls to elect their government. In April the communists won an election that was generally regarded as a fraud and the results were followed by massive and violent protests.
The communists were then one man short of the two thirds majoruty demanded to appoint the president, and new elections were necessarry.
The first results will be published 23:00 GMT+2. Hotnews.ro publishes exit polls that show an inverted situatuion. This time the opposition parties have the majority to form a government, but are short of the two thirds.... The man that can reslove the situation is called Marian Lupu, an economist former active in the Communist party that left after the scandalous first elections.
The opposition have been very sceptical of Lupu's move, saying that he did it to split the united front againts the communists. Time will tell, I guess...
The elections are said to have been generally calm, with a few ugly incidents, like communists shooting at opposition members in Sangera, and lots of cheating with the votes, as expected.
My guess is that the government will in deed change this time. Moldova is very dependent on a decent reputation in the West, without western NGO's, or Western funding for projects very little would happen in Moldova. I guess people with interests to lose might opt for Lupu as less provocing than Voronin, that made such a scandal last time.
Greetings Moldova! Things can only get better!
Source: www.hotnews.ro
The communists were then one man short of the two thirds majoruty demanded to appoint the president, and new elections were necessarry.
The first results will be published 23:00 GMT+2. Hotnews.ro publishes exit polls that show an inverted situatuion. This time the opposition parties have the majority to form a government, but are short of the two thirds.... The man that can reslove the situation is called Marian Lupu, an economist former active in the Communist party that left after the scandalous first elections.
The opposition have been very sceptical of Lupu's move, saying that he did it to split the united front againts the communists. Time will tell, I guess...
The elections are said to have been generally calm, with a few ugly incidents, like communists shooting at opposition members in Sangera, and lots of cheating with the votes, as expected.
My guess is that the government will in deed change this time. Moldova is very dependent on a decent reputation in the West, without western NGO's, or Western funding for projects very little would happen in Moldova. I guess people with interests to lose might opt for Lupu as less provocing than Voronin, that made such a scandal last time.
Greetings Moldova! Things can only get better!
Source: www.hotnews.ro
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
How much does an election cost?
Social struggles turn into political, as Bulgaria rapidly moves towards two elections: to the national and the European parliament. The ecologists are focusing their work on the party Zelenite. At the moment the movement is looking for funds.
To register a party, or a coalition, you need to deposit 50 000 Leva per election (25 000EUR) To participate in both, Zelenite thus need 100 000 leva. Llast thing I heard, they had managed to collect more than 30 000 leva. Oddly enough, after deposing these money, the electoral campaign is not allowed to cost more than 200 000 leva.
For the blue coalition, it is still unclear whether SDS will be registered alone, or in coalition with DSB in the Europan elections. The legislatve authorities are still pondering.
While they are thinking, the campaign has started. Here is one poster from the blue coalition, depicting the socialists, DSP and the kings party as the losers of a football match.
The poster is signed by the blue coalition.
Today is St George's day, a public holiday in Bulgaria. I am writing from a park where kids and parents enjoy the mellow May weather. Before we all watched the Bulgarian army on parade. The best part was, no doubt the orhestras, Bulgarian and international. International guests were foremost NATO partners, but also Russia, Ukraine and... The Republic of Moldova...
To register a party, or a coalition, you need to deposit 50 000 Leva per election (25 000EUR) To participate in both, Zelenite thus need 100 000 leva. Llast thing I heard, they had managed to collect more than 30 000 leva. Oddly enough, after deposing these money, the electoral campaign is not allowed to cost more than 200 000 leva.
For the blue coalition, it is still unclear whether SDS will be registered alone, or in coalition with DSB in the Europan elections. The legislatve authorities are still pondering.
While they are thinking, the campaign has started. Here is one poster from the blue coalition, depicting the socialists, DSP and the kings party as the losers of a football match.
The poster is signed by the blue coalition.Today is St George's day, a public holiday in Bulgaria. I am writing from a park where kids and parents enjoy the mellow May weather. Before we all watched the Bulgarian army on parade. The best part was, no doubt the orhestras, Bulgarian and international. International guests were foremost NATO partners, but also Russia, Ukraine and... The Republic of Moldova...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Open Letter from Commitee for Free Elections in Moldova
This is an open letter from The Commitee for Free Elections in Moldova, based in Bucharest, Romania. Romanian original text follows below.
Source: Santeustacio
Open Letter
The committee for free elections in the Republic of Moldova to:
Embassadors of the United States and European Union member states in Bucharest
The European parliament
The European commission
The European Counsel
The committee for free elections in the Republic of Moldova, founded in Bucharest, 8th of April 2009, propose a coordinated campaign for the internationalization of the grave situation created by the communist regime in Chisinau.
To reach our aims we propose:
1. We ask for the liberation of all arrested individuals and adequate medical treatment to everybody with physical injuries. We ask for the support from Mass media in this campaign for defending Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova.
2. We ask for the cancellation of the the results of the elections 5th of April, stolen by the communist authorities in Chisinau.
3. We ask for a renewed probe into the electoral lists, monitored by the European Council, The European Union, the USA, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria.
4. We ask for the organization of a electoral protest, guaranteed free, that lasts at least 30 days.
5. We ask for the television and radio in Chisinau to be put under public control through the set up of a administrative council whose members are scientific or cultural profiles without political affiliation, under the protection of national and international observers.
6. We ask for the citizen Vladimir Voronin to no longer make statements as a president, since his 4 years mandate ran out 7th April, and already stands in conflict with the penal code of the Republic of Moldova.
7. We ask the central election committee to investigate the claimed evidence for a big electoral fraud.
8. We ask for the general prosecutor to begin the investigation in electoral fraud, in a professional an transparent mode in front of internal and international observers.
9. We ask for the European Commission to support the young Moldovans that demonstrate for a state of justice baed on free elections, freedom and democracy in the Piata Marii Asunari Nationale. (my comment: the central square in Chisinau)
10. We will appoint lawyers from the European Union to support our legitimate claims.
11. We ask all public authorities to act i support of and for the promotion of democratic norms and values in the Republic of Moldova.
12. We ask the political leaders in Chisinau to take up our message and to support it publicly. We declare our legal seat to be at: Comitetului Pentru Alegeri Libere în Republica Moldova, în Bucureşti str. Batiştei, nr. 24 A. Telefax: +40-21 – 311-20-75 – Asociatia 21 Decembrie 1989comitetulpentruchisinau@gmail.com
Accepted at the meetings at Piaţa Universităţii, Bucharest, 08-11th April 2009. Support commity:: Organizaţia Studenţilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Corina Ciobanu Liga Studenţilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Tudor Cojocaru Asociaţia Studenţilor şi Elevilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Veaceslav Saramet Grupul de Exprimare Socială a Tinerilor Basarabia, Natalia Porunbin Oficiul pentru Comunicare Internaţională şi Drepturile Omului, reprezentant pentru Republica Moldova, Iacob Buga Grupul Noii Golani, George Simion Asociaţia 21 Decembrie 1989, Teodor Mărieş Seniorii Ligii Studenţilor din România, Romeo Moşoiu Semnatari: FEDERAŢIA EDUCAŢIEI NAŢIONALE ALIANŢA NAŢIONALĂ A ORGANIZAŢIILOR STUDENŢEŞTI DIN ROMÂNIA UNIUNEA NAŢIONALĂ A STUDENŢILOR DIN ROMÂNIA UNIUNEA STUDENŢILOR DIN ROMÂNIA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN CONSTANŢA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI ŞI BUCOVINENI DIN BRAŞOV ASOCIAŢIA STUDENŢILOR ŞI ELEVILOR BASARABENI DIN ORADEA ASOCIAŢIA TINERILOR BASARABENI DIN IAŞI GRUPUL DE INIŢIATIVĂ A ROMÂNILOR BASARABENI DIN SUCEAVA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENTILOR BASARABENI DIN TIMIŞOARA LIGA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN TIMIŞOARA (G.I.) CLUBUL STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI ŞI BUCOVINENI “ŞTEFAN CEL MARE ŞI SFÂNT” LIGA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN GALAŢI (G.I.) GRUPUL DE INIŢIATIVĂ BASARABEANĂ DIN CLUJ ASOCIAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN CRAIOVA LIGA STUDENŢILOR ROMÂNI DIN STRĂINĂTATE ASOCIAŢIA TINERILOR ROMÂNI DIN AFARA GRANIŢELOR DIN IAŞI SOCIETATEA TIMIŞOARA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR DIN UNIVERSITATEA TIMIŞOARA LIGA STUDENŢILOR DIN FACULTATEA DE MECANICĂ TIMIŞOARA CONSILIUL MONDIAL ROMÂN ASOCIAŢIA FOŞTILOR DEŢINUŢI POLITICI DIN ROMÂNIA - organizaţia Bucureşti BLOCUL NAŢIONAL AL REVOLUŢIONARILOR 1989 FUNDAŢIA „TIMIŞOARA ’89” FUNDAŢIA MEMORIA - filiala Argeş [Experimentul Piteşti] FUNDAŢIA CORNELIU COPOSU FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ TIMPUL ASOCIAŢIA CIVES FUNDATIA NAŢIONALĂ PENTRU ROMÂNII DE PRETUTINDENI ASOCIAŢIA ROMÂNILOR DIN AUSTRALIA ORGANIZAŢIA INTERNAŢIONALĂ A LUPTĂTORILOR PENTRU APĂRAREA DREPTURILOR OMULUI SINDICATUL NAŢIONAL AL ŢĂRANILOR ŞI AL PROPRIETARILOR ROMÂNI, ASOCIAŢIA EUROPEANĂ A CADRELOR DIDACTICE ASOCIAŢIA SCRIITORILOR ROMÂNI ŞI GERMANI DIN BAVARIA ASSOCIATION CULTURELLE ET AMICALE ROUMAINE L’ALLIANCE BELGO-ROUMAINE MIŞCAREA ARĂDEANĂ ORGANIZAŢIA NEGUVERNAMENTALĂ ECOMONDIA CONSILIUL ROMÂN AMERICAN ASOCIAŢIA COPIILOR REVOLUŢIEI ASOCIAŢIA ADEVĂR ŞI DREPTATE ASOCIAŢIA APOLITICĂ “SOCIETATEA TÂRGOVIŞTE” FUNDAŢIA REDAREA ISTORIEI FUNDAŢIA IOAN BĂRBUŞ FEDERAŢIA NAŢIONALĂ OMENIA A PENSIONARILOR FEDERAŢIA SINDICALĂ “SOLIDARITATEA – VIRGIL SĂHLEANU” A SIDERURGIŞTILOR DIN ROMÂNIA FUNDAŢIA NAŢIONALĂ A REVOLUŢIEI DIN DECEMBRIE 1989 – TIMIŞOARA, SINDICATUL SOLIDARITATEA AL SIDERURGIŞTILOR GALAŢI SINDICATUL ALRO SLATINA INSTITUTUL FRAŢII GOLESCU PENTRU ROMÂNII DIN STRĂINĂTATE ASOCIAŢIA GRUPUL CONTRA ASOCIAŢIA TYMOS ORADEA MANECOGNITIVA GRUPUL DE CERCETARE ŞI VALORIFICAREA CAPITALULUI INTELECTUAL FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ ROMÂNĂ ASOCIAŢIA GENERALĂ A ÎNVĂŢĂTORILOR DIN ROMÂNIA FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ APOSTROF FUNDAŢIA ACADEMIA CIVICĂ
Source: Santeustacio
Open Letter
The committee for free elections in the Republic of Moldova to:
Embassadors of the United States and European Union member states in Bucharest
The European parliament
The European commission
The European Counsel
The committee for free elections in the Republic of Moldova, founded in Bucharest, 8th of April 2009, propose a coordinated campaign for the internationalization of the grave situation created by the communist regime in Chisinau.
To reach our aims we propose:
1. We ask for the liberation of all arrested individuals and adequate medical treatment to everybody with physical injuries. We ask for the support from Mass media in this campaign for defending Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova.
2. We ask for the cancellation of the the results of the elections 5th of April, stolen by the communist authorities in Chisinau.
3. We ask for a renewed probe into the electoral lists, monitored by the European Council, The European Union, the USA, Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria.
4. We ask for the organization of a electoral protest, guaranteed free, that lasts at least 30 days.
5. We ask for the television and radio in Chisinau to be put under public control through the set up of a administrative council whose members are scientific or cultural profiles without political affiliation, under the protection of national and international observers.
6. We ask for the citizen Vladimir Voronin to no longer make statements as a president, since his 4 years mandate ran out 7th April, and already stands in conflict with the penal code of the Republic of Moldova.
7. We ask the central election committee to investigate the claimed evidence for a big electoral fraud.
8. We ask for the general prosecutor to begin the investigation in electoral fraud, in a professional an transparent mode in front of internal and international observers.
9. We ask for the European Commission to support the young Moldovans that demonstrate for a state of justice baed on free elections, freedom and democracy in the Piata Marii Asunari Nationale. (my comment: the central square in Chisinau)
10. We will appoint lawyers from the European Union to support our legitimate claims.
11. We ask all public authorities to act i support of and for the promotion of democratic norms and values in the Republic of Moldova.
12. We ask the political leaders in Chisinau to take up our message and to support it publicly. We declare our legal seat to be at: Comitetului Pentru Alegeri Libere în Republica Moldova, în Bucureşti str. Batiştei, nr. 24 A. Telefax: +40-21 – 311-20-75 – Asociatia 21 Decembrie 1989comitetulpentruchisinau@gmail.com
Accepted at the meetings at Piaţa Universităţii, Bucharest, 08-11th April 2009. Support commity:: Organizaţia Studenţilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Corina Ciobanu Liga Studenţilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Tudor Cojocaru Asociaţia Studenţilor şi Elevilor Basarabeni din Bucureşti, Veaceslav Saramet Grupul de Exprimare Socială a Tinerilor Basarabia, Natalia Porunbin Oficiul pentru Comunicare Internaţională şi Drepturile Omului, reprezentant pentru Republica Moldova, Iacob Buga Grupul Noii Golani, George Simion Asociaţia 21 Decembrie 1989, Teodor Mărieş Seniorii Ligii Studenţilor din România, Romeo Moşoiu Semnatari: FEDERAŢIA EDUCAŢIEI NAŢIONALE ALIANŢA NAŢIONALĂ A ORGANIZAŢIILOR STUDENŢEŞTI DIN ROMÂNIA UNIUNEA NAŢIONALĂ A STUDENŢILOR DIN ROMÂNIA UNIUNEA STUDENŢILOR DIN ROMÂNIA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN CONSTANŢA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI ŞI BUCOVINENI DIN BRAŞOV ASOCIAŢIA STUDENŢILOR ŞI ELEVILOR BASARABENI DIN ORADEA ASOCIAŢIA TINERILOR BASARABENI DIN IAŞI GRUPUL DE INIŢIATIVĂ A ROMÂNILOR BASARABENI DIN SUCEAVA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENTILOR BASARABENI DIN TIMIŞOARA LIGA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN TIMIŞOARA (G.I.) CLUBUL STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI ŞI BUCOVINENI “ŞTEFAN CEL MARE ŞI SFÂNT” LIGA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN GALAŢI (G.I.) GRUPUL DE INIŢIATIVĂ BASARABEANĂ DIN CLUJ ASOCIAŢIA STUDENŢILOR BASARABENI DIN CRAIOVA LIGA STUDENŢILOR ROMÂNI DIN STRĂINĂTATE ASOCIAŢIA TINERILOR ROMÂNI DIN AFARA GRANIŢELOR DIN IAŞI SOCIETATEA TIMIŞOARA ORGANIZAŢIA STUDENŢILOR DIN UNIVERSITATEA TIMIŞOARA LIGA STUDENŢILOR DIN FACULTATEA DE MECANICĂ TIMIŞOARA CONSILIUL MONDIAL ROMÂN ASOCIAŢIA FOŞTILOR DEŢINUŢI POLITICI DIN ROMÂNIA - organizaţia Bucureşti BLOCUL NAŢIONAL AL REVOLUŢIONARILOR 1989 FUNDAŢIA „TIMIŞOARA ’89” FUNDAŢIA MEMORIA - filiala Argeş [Experimentul Piteşti] FUNDAŢIA CORNELIU COPOSU FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ TIMPUL ASOCIAŢIA CIVES FUNDATIA NAŢIONALĂ PENTRU ROMÂNII DE PRETUTINDENI ASOCIAŢIA ROMÂNILOR DIN AUSTRALIA ORGANIZAŢIA INTERNAŢIONALĂ A LUPTĂTORILOR PENTRU APĂRAREA DREPTURILOR OMULUI SINDICATUL NAŢIONAL AL ŢĂRANILOR ŞI AL PROPRIETARILOR ROMÂNI, ASOCIAŢIA EUROPEANĂ A CADRELOR DIDACTICE ASOCIAŢIA SCRIITORILOR ROMÂNI ŞI GERMANI DIN BAVARIA ASSOCIATION CULTURELLE ET AMICALE ROUMAINE L’ALLIANCE BELGO-ROUMAINE MIŞCAREA ARĂDEANĂ ORGANIZAŢIA NEGUVERNAMENTALĂ ECOMONDIA CONSILIUL ROMÂN AMERICAN ASOCIAŢIA COPIILOR REVOLUŢIEI ASOCIAŢIA ADEVĂR ŞI DREPTATE ASOCIAŢIA APOLITICĂ “SOCIETATEA TÂRGOVIŞTE” FUNDAŢIA REDAREA ISTORIEI FUNDAŢIA IOAN BĂRBUŞ FEDERAŢIA NAŢIONALĂ OMENIA A PENSIONARILOR FEDERAŢIA SINDICALĂ “SOLIDARITATEA – VIRGIL SĂHLEANU” A SIDERURGIŞTILOR DIN ROMÂNIA FUNDAŢIA NAŢIONALĂ A REVOLUŢIEI DIN DECEMBRIE 1989 – TIMIŞOARA, SINDICATUL SOLIDARITATEA AL SIDERURGIŞTILOR GALAŢI SINDICATUL ALRO SLATINA INSTITUTUL FRAŢII GOLESCU PENTRU ROMÂNII DIN STRĂINĂTATE ASOCIAŢIA GRUPUL CONTRA ASOCIAŢIA TYMOS ORADEA MANECOGNITIVA GRUPUL DE CERCETARE ŞI VALORIFICAREA CAPITALULUI INTELECTUAL FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ ROMÂNĂ ASOCIAŢIA GENERALĂ A ÎNVĂŢĂTORILOR DIN ROMÂNIA FUNDAŢIA CULTURALĂ APOSTROF FUNDAŢIA ACADEMIA CIVICĂ
Friday, April 17, 2009
Moldova - A letter to Obama
The situation in Moldova has entered a different stage. The police was successful in stopping further protests, but not in stopping further violence. Officially, four young Moldovans have died form police violence in connection with the protests. I hereby publish a common letter to Barack Obama, from True Moldova blog.
Follow the instructions if you want to urge American interest for Moldova
You can help Moldova in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Click on http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Step 2: Fill out the form with your information
Step 3: Copy and paste the following letter (the more people do it, the higher our chances):
Mr. President,
I have been following recent events in Moldova and was distressed by the lukewarm response and low coverage they received in the United States. I write to urge you and your administration to act and in no uncertain terms denounce the human right abuses of the Communist government in Moldova.
For the past two weeks hundreds of young Moldovans have gathered in the capital of Chisinau to peacefully demonstrate the irregular and corrupt elections held in the country on April 5. These demonstrators are protesting ongoing suppression, censorship of the press and media, infringement of basic rights to move freely. The Moldovan government, however, engaged in arbitrary retaliation against some young protesters, as recorded by the UN.
Demonstrations against anti-democractic abuses have therefore spurred more serious, unacceptable infringement of human rights, as reported by Financial Times and other leading newspapers. International observers denounced serious breaches of human and constitutional rights committed by the police. The latter arrested at least 400 students, many of whom were peaceful protesters.
These young men were beaten at police stations, imprisoned without access to lawyers, exposed to inhumane and degrading treatment, and forced into confessions. Video reports denounce significant abuses and ongoing violent police behavior. One young man was found dead after having been tortured by the police. Journalists, NGO leaders, and members of the opposition have been harassed and intimidated as well. Citizens are denied access to information as local and international media channels and internet access is being restricted and shut down.
Moldova is on the verge of losing the democratic achievements it made since independence and the international community is doing little to prevent this disaster. I sincerely urge you to make a public statement about the situation in Moldova and denounce human rights violations. In doing so, I ask you to reinforce the credibility of the United States in its commitment to democracy and universal respect for human rights.
Update: officially 4 young men beaten to death.
FirstName LastName
I will from now on disrupt my reporting fomr Moldova, since I don't live there, and there are many better sources for you who are interested. Personally I can reccomend:
www.curaj.net
www.unimedia.info
Regarding the US, an official statement is avalible here:
Moldova: Aftermath of Protests
The United States is concerned about the situation in Moldova following the violence on April 7. Although order has been restored and subsequent demonstrations have been peaceful, we have received reports from civil society and international observers of mistreatment of those detained by Moldovan authorities. We are also troubled by reports that students and journalists have been intimidated by government officials. President Voronin’s announcement of an amnesty for many of those detained is an encouraging step toward reconciliation.
We urge the government to act in accordance with Moldovan law and its international obligations when dealing with the opposition, protesters, and the media. All parties need to conduct themselves responsibly. It is also important that the government reach out to opposition parties and address their concerns about the April 5 election in a cooperative and transparent manner. We stress that there is no excuse for violence, such as took place on April 7. The United States remains committed to working closely with Moldova and its people as the country continues down the path of European integration. Respect for the rule of law and human rights are key elements in our relationship.
Follow the instructions if you want to urge American interest for Moldova
A letter to Obama
Step 1: Click on http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Step 2: Fill out the form with your information
Step 3: Copy and paste the following letter (the more people do it, the higher our chances):
Mr. President,
I have been following recent events in Moldova and was distressed by the lukewarm response and low coverage they received in the United States. I write to urge you and your administration to act and in no uncertain terms denounce the human right abuses of the Communist government in Moldova.
For the past two weeks hundreds of young Moldovans have gathered in the capital of Chisinau to peacefully demonstrate the irregular and corrupt elections held in the country on April 5. These demonstrators are protesting ongoing suppression, censorship of the press and media, infringement of basic rights to move freely. The Moldovan government, however, engaged in arbitrary retaliation against some young protesters, as recorded by the UN.
Demonstrations against anti-democractic abuses have therefore spurred more serious, unacceptable infringement of human rights, as reported by Financial Times and other leading newspapers. International observers denounced serious breaches of human and constitutional rights committed by the police. The latter arrested at least 400 students, many of whom were peaceful protesters.
These young men were beaten at police stations, imprisoned without access to lawyers, exposed to inhumane and degrading treatment, and forced into confessions. Video reports denounce significant abuses and ongoing violent police behavior. One young man was found dead after having been tortured by the police. Journalists, NGO leaders, and members of the opposition have been harassed and intimidated as well. Citizens are denied access to information as local and international media channels and internet access is being restricted and shut down.
Moldova is on the verge of losing the democratic achievements it made since independence and the international community is doing little to prevent this disaster. I sincerely urge you to make a public statement about the situation in Moldova and denounce human rights violations. In doing so, I ask you to reinforce the credibility of the United States in its commitment to democracy and universal respect for human rights.
Update: officially 4 young men beaten to death.
FirstName LastName
I will from now on disrupt my reporting fomr Moldova, since I don't live there, and there are many better sources for you who are interested. Personally I can reccomend:
www.curaj.net
www.unimedia.info
Regarding the US, an official statement is avalible here:
Moldova: Aftermath of Protests
Robert Wood
Acting Department Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 16, 2009
The United States is concerned about the situation in Moldova following the violence on April 7. Although order has been restored and subsequent demonstrations have been peaceful, we have received reports from civil society and international observers of mistreatment of those detained by Moldovan authorities. We are also troubled by reports that students and journalists have been intimidated by government officials. President Voronin’s announcement of an amnesty for many of those detained is an encouraging step toward reconciliation.
We urge the government to act in accordance with Moldovan law and its international obligations when dealing with the opposition, protesters, and the media. All parties need to conduct themselves responsibly. It is also important that the government reach out to opposition parties and address their concerns about the April 5 election in a cooperative and transparent manner. We stress that there is no excuse for violence, such as took place on April 7. The United States remains committed to working closely with Moldova and its people as the country continues down the path of European integration. Respect for the rule of law and human rights are key elements in our relationship.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Repression in Moldova
Thanks God, also major media outlits like Al Jazeera now have information from inside Moldova. We do not longer need to rely on Twitter and internet connections at the mercy of Vladimir Voronin.
Except for the fact that we learn about the totalitarian repression currently going on, there is not much positive at the moment.
Political opponents are put under house arrest for the fact that they organized the protests. N.B. the protests were legally announced according to Moldovan law, and later turned into riots. What use could a democratic state have for house arrest?
Anyway, let's forget any mumbo jumbo about Moldova being a democratic state...
The information below comes from Cotidianul.ro. ON this arrest there are som very nasty pictures of maltreated youth.
The following is a letter that reched me through the facebook group Defend Moldova Pride
Elena Gordon translated the Romanian better than me, and gives a good sum up of the situation:
Except for the fact that we learn about the totalitarian repression currently going on, there is not much positive at the moment.
Political opponents are put under house arrest for the fact that they organized the protests. N.B. the protests were legally announced according to Moldovan law, and later turned into riots. What use could a democratic state have for house arrest?
Anyway, let's forget any mumbo jumbo about Moldova being a democratic state...
The information below comes from Cotidianul.ro. ON this arrest there are som very nasty pictures of maltreated youth.
The following is a letter that reched me through the facebook group Defend Moldova Pride
Elena Gordon translated the Romanian better than me, and gives a good sum up of the situation:
Dear Friends,
I apologise for messaging you three times in 2 days but Moldova is having a tough time right now and that can only impact badly on LGBT people.
Basically the communists won the vote which seemed to be a fair vote but after weeks of misinformation. To make things more interesting the Communist President Voronin is about to get to the end of his term but doesn't really want to stand down (the Putin scenario).
What is being called a "Twitter" revolution happened with mainly young people mobilising via the internet and going onto the streets. The "communists" are blaming unrest on Romania with backing from Russia and this revolves around the whole issue of whether Moldova will integrate within Romania (Romanian is the language of Moldova).
I barely understand the ins and outs of this myself but I urge non-Moldovans if you can spare the time, to contact your Foreign Ministry expressing grave concerns about the situation in post election Moldova to ensure that politicians in the west can't get away with the idea that "nobody cares about this tiny country".
If you can't spare the time, spare them a thought...as people seem to be being stopped in the streets by Police, especially at night, to be asked how they voted. Many of the demonstrators are in jail, many of them injured by beatings by the Police according to....
"Edwin Berry, Human Rights Adviser to the UN in Moldova has managed to visit the prison nr.13 on Saturday and talk to at least 40 of the young people arrested during the protests. «I have never seen anything like this», said Berry.
UN adviser claims he has seen at least 40 youngsters who are detained in various cells. «They all have traces of beatings and injuries,» Berry said, adding that practically all the prisoners are aged between 18 and 24.
The prisoners complained they were beaten in the different police sections or at the headquarters of the Commissioner General of Police. They claimed that between 25 and 28 people were held in small cells of 8 square meters. They were given very little water, and virtually no food. Also, most of them complained about the fact that they were not allowed to see a lawyer.
«I have seen doctors in the Penitentiary, but the prisoners say they do not receive all appropriate medical assistance», said the UN representative. He told the press that he had taken photographs of the signs of torture which these young people bear on their bodies. He also requested to set up a meeting with the Moldovan Ministry of Interior Affairs. Also, the data that he collected during his visit will be used to document the cases and to inform the international community about what is happening.
«From what I saw and heard from those 40 young people, I can say that there are serious human rights violations, namely the practices of inhuman and degrading treatment and preventing the right to legal advice, fair court proceedings and appropriate conditions of detention, «said the UN official.
Berry believes it is important there is the "Committee for complaints" in Moldova, which made it possible for him to visit the prison.
source: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://garda.com.md%2Fstiri%2Freprezentantul-onu-in-moldovacate-28-de-tineri-batuti-intr-o-celula-de-8-metri
Other sources:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://blogs.euobserver.com%2Fpopescu%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fan-eu-response-to-moldova%25E2%2580%2599s-%25E2%2580%2598twitter-revolution%25E2%2580%2599%2F
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://news.bbc.co.uk%2F1%2Fhi%2Fworld%2Feurope%2F7989360.stm
--------------------
I apologise for messaging you three times in 2 days but Moldova is having a tough time right now and that can only impact badly on LGBT people.
Basically the communists won the vote which seemed to be a fair vote but after weeks of misinformation. To make things more interesting the Communist President Voronin is about to get to the end of his term but doesn't really want to stand down (the Putin scenario).
What is being called a "Twitter" revolution happened with mainly young people mobilising via the internet and going onto the streets. The "communists" are blaming unrest on Romania with backing from Russia and this revolves around the whole issue of whether Moldova will integrate within Romania (Romanian is the language of Moldova).
I barely understand the ins and outs of this myself but I urge non-Moldovans if you can spare the time, to contact your Foreign Ministry expressing grave concerns about the situation in post election Moldova to ensure that politicians in the west can't get away with the idea that "nobody cares about this tiny country".
If you can't spare the time, spare them a thought...as people seem to be being stopped in the streets by Police, especially at night, to be asked how they voted. Many of the demonstrators are in jail, many of them injured by beatings by the Police according to....
"Edwin Berry, Human Rights Adviser to the UN in Moldova has managed to visit the prison nr.13 on Saturday and talk to at least 40 of the young people arrested during the protests. «I have never seen anything like this», said Berry.
UN adviser claims he has seen at least 40 youngsters who are detained in various cells. «They all have traces of beatings and injuries,» Berry said, adding that practically all the prisoners are aged between 18 and 24.
The prisoners complained they were beaten in the different police sections or at the headquarters of the Commissioner General of Police. They claimed that between 25 and 28 people were held in small cells of 8 square meters. They were given very little water, and virtually no food. Also, most of them complained about the fact that they were not allowed to see a lawyer.
«I have seen doctors in the Penitentiary, but the prisoners say they do not receive all appropriate medical assistance», said the UN representative. He told the press that he had taken photographs of the signs of torture which these young people bear on their bodies. He also requested to set up a meeting with the Moldovan Ministry of Interior Affairs. Also, the data that he collected during his visit will be used to document the cases and to inform the international community about what is happening.
«From what I saw and heard from those 40 young people, I can say that there are serious human rights violations, namely the practices of inhuman and degrading treatment and preventing the right to legal advice, fair court proceedings and appropriate conditions of detention, «said the UN official.
Berry believes it is important there is the "Committee for complaints" in Moldova, which made it possible for him to visit the prison.
source: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?
Other sources:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?
--------------------
I just finished reading the first book in Solzjenitsyns GULAG archipelago. It is really spooky to read almost the same phasing used in Berry's report. No doubt were the Moldovian Police were educated...
Vladimir Voronin has also accused Serbia for helping Romania organising a Coupe d'Etat in Moldova... Take it as a compliment of the Serbian government. I don't know anything about Serbian politics, but to think that they would be involved in the Chisinau uprising is bizarre, to say the least.
Bulgaria has not yet been accused by mr. Voronin. I wonder why...
Moscovici reccomends this site for russian readers. I am not one of them, so I can't judge it, but I trust Moscovici's judgement.
Vladimir Voronin has also accused Serbia for helping Romania organising a Coupe d'Etat in Moldova... Take it as a compliment of the Serbian government. I don't know anything about Serbian politics, but to think that they would be involved in the Chisinau uprising is bizarre, to say the least.
Bulgaria has not yet been accused by mr. Voronin. I wonder why...
Moscovici reccomends this site for russian readers. I am not one of them, so I can't judge it, but I trust Moscovici's judgement.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Joint Press Release by the Czech, French and Swedish Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the situation in Moldova
This is the Official EU statement on the situation,I have been informed from the Swedish foereign ministry
The EU Presidency Trio during their meeting in Sarajevo reiterated the messages contained in the previous EU Presidency statements on the situation in Moldova issued on April 7 and 8.
The EU remains ready to work with Moldova in accordance with European values and principles and is committed to further strengthen mutual relations between EU and Moldova. In this regard, the role of the EUSR for Moldova is essential.
For the EU it is essential to enjoy good relations with its neighbours. While understanding the complexity of the Moldovan-Romanian relations, we call on the Government of Moldova to resume normal relations with Romania.
We call on the Moldovan authorities to respect all constitutional freedoms and on all parties to refrain from any violence.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Moldovan state blames political opponents for riots
This is a statement from the Office of The General Prosecuter in the Republic of Moldova. It is not translated into English on their site for some reason...
Synopsis: The prosecutor names the leaders of the opposition parties as legally responsible for the violent acts commited 6th of April. This statement do not mention any "Coup de etat", but material destruction, creation of disorder etc.
Original Romanian text below
The procecutor considers the actions of the organizers and participants in the meeting 6th of April called "Day of pain" inadmissible and outright illegal.
Thus, the current 6th of April, between 16:00 -23:00 Ghenadie Brega has organized a meeting with hundreds of participants, assisted by the leaders of some political parties (V. Filat, A. Tănase, V. Ungureanu, V. Pavlicenco, O. Cernei, V. Nagacevschi etc.)
The aim of the meeting was to manifestate the protest against the results of the parliamentary elections current 5th of April.
In the unfolding of the event the law concerning the organisation of meetings was broken on a number of different points ( art.6, 16, 18, 19), according to which:
In fact organizwers and participants in a large scale disorder, followed by the disorganisation of transport activities and attempts at vandalizing acts agaist it, and the smearing of physical persons, encouraging people not to obey the legitimate instructions from represents of authority and to large scale disorders, today the procecutor has initiated the criminal investigation according to article 285 CP.
The prosecutor will undertake all necessary legally available measures in safeguarding the legal order and the the public order, and urge the population to focus on these ambitions.
The press service of the General Prosecutor
Romanian text
Procuratura califică drept ilegale şi inadmisibile acţiunile organizatorilor şi participanţilor la întrunirea din 6 aprilie 2009 sub genericul „zi de doliu”.
Astfel, la 6 aprilie curent între orele 16:00 – 23:20 în Piaţa Marii Adunări Naţionale a fost organizată de către Ghenadie Brega cu participarea activă a liderilor unor partide politice (V. Filat, A. Tănase, V. Ungureanu, V. Pavlicenco, O. Cernei, V. Nagacevschi etc.) o întrunire la care au participat cîteva sute de oameni.
Scopul mitingului constînd în a manifesta protestul faţă de rezultatele alegerilor parlamentare din 5 aprilie curent.
În procesul desfăşurării lui au fost încălcate prevederile Legii privind întrunirile (art.6, 16, 18, 19), conform cărora:
- întrunirile se desfăşoară numai în mod paşnic;
- organizatorul are dreptul de a desfăşura doar în forma, locul şi termenul indicat în declaraţia prealabilă;
- participanţii au obligaţia de a respecta legislaţia şi ordinea publică
În realitate însă, au fost constatate un şir de încălcări flagrante ale prevederilor legale, şi anume, organizatori şi participanţii au admis:
- blocarea arterelor principale de transport
- tentative de deteriorare si răsturnare a mijloacelor de transport public,
- antrenarea minorilor.
- participarea în starea de ebrietate
- batjocorirea persoanelor.
Contrar prevederilor art.18, organizatorii nu au respectat obligaţiunile asumate, au manifestat iresponsabilitate soldate cu încălcarea ordinii publice, nu au asigurat menţinerea ordinii de drept, în rezultatul acestor acţiuni întrunirea transformîndu-se într-o dezordine în masă.
Pe faptul organizării şi participării active la dezordini în masă, însoţite de dezorganizarea activităţilor transportului şi tentativelor de răsturnare şi deteriorare a lui cu violenţa şi batjocura altor persoane, cu chemări la nesupunere cerinţelor legitime ale reprezentanţilor autorităţilor şi la dezordine în masă, astăzi, Procuratura a iniţiat urmărirea penală conform art.285 CP.
Procuratura va întreprinde toate măsurile prevăzute de lege întru asigurarea ordinii de drept şi ordinii publice şi focalizează atenţia populaţiei asupra necesităţii respectării ei.
Serviciul de presă al Procuraturii Generale
Synopsis: The prosecutor names the leaders of the opposition parties as legally responsible for the violent acts commited 6th of April. This statement do not mention any "Coup de etat", but material destruction, creation of disorder etc.
Original Romanian text below
The procecutor considers the actions of the organizers and participants in the meeting 6th of April called "Day of pain" inadmissible and outright illegal.
Thus, the current 6th of April, between 16:00 -23:00 Ghenadie Brega has organized a meeting with hundreds of participants, assisted by the leaders of some political parties (V. Filat, A. Tănase, V. Ungureanu, V. Pavlicenco, O. Cernei, V. Nagacevschi etc.)
The aim of the meeting was to manifestate the protest against the results of the parliamentary elections current 5th of April.
In the unfolding of the event the law concerning the organisation of meetings was broken on a number of different points ( art.6, 16, 18, 19), according to which:
- Meetings shall be conducted peacefully only
- The organizer has the right to conduct to protest only on the spot and in the way announced before hand.
- Participants are obliged to respect legislation and public order
- the blocking of the main lines of communications
- attempts at vandalizing and turning over means of public transport
- encouraging minors to violent acts
- participating in the state of intoxication
- the smearing of physical persons
In fact organizwers and participants in a large scale disorder, followed by the disorganisation of transport activities and attempts at vandalizing acts agaist it, and the smearing of physical persons, encouraging people not to obey the legitimate instructions from represents of authority and to large scale disorders, today the procecutor has initiated the criminal investigation according to article 285 CP.
The prosecutor will undertake all necessary legally available measures in safeguarding the legal order and the the public order, and urge the population to focus on these ambitions.
The press service of the General Prosecutor
Romanian text
Procuratura califică drept ilegale şi inadmisibile acţiunile organizatorilor şi participanţilor la întrunirea din 6 aprilie 2009 sub genericul „zi de doliu”.
Astfel, la 6 aprilie curent între orele 16:00 – 23:20 în Piaţa Marii Adunări Naţionale a fost organizată de către Ghenadie Brega cu participarea activă a liderilor unor partide politice (V. Filat, A. Tănase, V. Ungureanu, V. Pavlicenco, O. Cernei, V. Nagacevschi etc.) o întrunire la care au participat cîteva sute de oameni.
Scopul mitingului constînd în a manifesta protestul faţă de rezultatele alegerilor parlamentare din 5 aprilie curent.
În procesul desfăşurării lui au fost încălcate prevederile Legii privind întrunirile (art.6, 16, 18, 19), conform cărora:
- întrunirile se desfăşoară numai în mod paşnic;
- organizatorul are dreptul de a desfăşura doar în forma, locul şi termenul indicat în declaraţia prealabilă;
- participanţii au obligaţia de a respecta legislaţia şi ordinea publică
În realitate însă, au fost constatate un şir de încălcări flagrante ale prevederilor legale, şi anume, organizatori şi participanţii au admis:
- blocarea arterelor principale de transport
- tentative de deteriorare si răsturnare a mijloacelor de transport public,
- antrenarea minorilor.
- participarea în starea de ebrietate
- batjocorirea persoanelor.
Contrar prevederilor art.18, organizatorii nu au respectat obligaţiunile asumate, au manifestat iresponsabilitate soldate cu încălcarea ordinii publice, nu au asigurat menţinerea ordinii de drept, în rezultatul acestor acţiuni întrunirea transformîndu-se într-o dezordine în masă.
Pe faptul organizării şi participării active la dezordini în masă, însoţite de dezorganizarea activităţilor transportului şi tentativelor de răsturnare şi deteriorare a lui cu violenţa şi batjocura altor persoane, cu chemări la nesupunere cerinţelor legitime ale reprezentanţilor autorităţilor şi la dezordine în masă, astăzi, Procuratura a iniţiat urmărirea penală conform art.285 CP.
Procuratura va întreprinde toate măsurile prevăzute de lege întru asigurarea ordinii de drept şi ordinii publice şi focalizează atenţia populaţiei asupra necesităţii respectării ei.
Serviciul de presă al Procuraturii Generale
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Statement from Reporters without borders
The following statement is to be found on Reporters without borders homepage.
In “unfair and dangerous” move, Moldova denies entry to 18 Romanian journalists
In “unfair and dangerous” move, Moldova denies entry to 18 Romanian journalists
A total of 18 Romanian reporters and photographers working for Romanian and international news media were denied entry to Moldova yesterday as violent demonstrations were taking place in protest against the official results of the 5 April parliamentary elections, according to which the ruling Communist Party won 50 per cent of the votes.
“We condemn this unfair and dangerous decision by the Moldovan authorities,” Reporters Without Borders said. “It not only hampers proper media coverage of what is taking place but it also exacerbates the tension between Moldova and Romania, fuelling a nationalistic and aggressive discourse that could destabilise the situation even further.”
The international media whose journalists were denied entry included Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, EPA and Reuters. Among the Romanian media to be affected were Evenimentul Zilei, Jurnalu National, Ziua and Realitatea TV. The journalists were repeatedly turned back at various border crossings including Galati and Oancea on administrative pretexts although the real reason was probably their Romanian nationality. Journalists from other countries were allowed into Moldova from Ukraine.
Telephone communication with Moldova, especially by mobile, is currently very difficult and Internet connections within the country are still very unstable since Internet access via the national telecommunications company Moldtelecom was interrupted yesterday. Access to several independent news websites is blocked.
Meanwhile, the state-owned broadcast media have mainly been putting out entertainment programmes and cartoons, with very little coverage of the protests in the capital, Chisinau.
According to a so far unverified report, at least one journalist was the victim of police violence while another was prevented from filming in Balti (150 km northeast of Chisinau). Journalist Natalia Morar was meanwhile reported to be the target of legal proceedings by the prosecutor’s office. Legal proceedings were also reportedly being brought against several of the organisers of lightning demonstrations in which thousands of protesters took part.
The already very tense relations between Moldova and Romania have worsened in recent days. Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin accused Romania of being behind the protests in an interview for the Russian news agency Interfax and Romania’s ambassador has been declared persona non grata. Today President Voronin threatened to use force if the anti-communist rioting continued in the capital.
A former Soviet republic that has been independent since 1991, Moldova is Europe’s poorest country. The OSCE said that overall the 5 April elections met international standards but several individual OSCE members questioned this evaluation. The opposition is demanding a recount.
A landlocked country between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova has had an unresolved territorial dispute since 1992, when the easternmost region of Transnistria, with an area of some 4,000 sq km, declared independence with support from Russia. The election result has revived tension between Moldova’s pro-Russian and pro-Western factions, between those nostalgic for the Soviet past and those who want to join the European Union.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Street battles in Chisinau Updated 13:28
After the Communists declared vicotry in the Moldovan elections, protesters, most whom wee young took to the street in protests. They managed to destroy windows in the presidential palace, around 12.30 (GMT +2) and since then the battle has raged between police and young protesters. More than ten protesters are said to be hurt, while hurling stones at policemen. The police and firefighters try to disperse the crowd with water cannons.
The demonstrators have entered the parliamentary building and hurl out computers through the windows.
The video is taken from outside the presidential building.
Souces: Hotnews Unimedia.md
The demonstrators have entered the parliamentary building and hurl out computers through the windows.
Publicera inlägg
The video is taken from outside the presidential building.
Souces: Hotnews Unimedia.md
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Bulgaria, EU, Europe, Moldova
Nicolae Popescu, Research fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in London and blogging for EUobserver critzises the Bulgarian president Purvanov's lack of commitment to the European Union and European standards in his last post.
What angers Popescu is Purvanov's defence of the totalitarian Azerbadjanian regimes right to mess with the electoral laws without European involvment. Purvanov has also chosen to make a state visit to my previous home land Republic of Moldova, the fact that drew my interest to Popescus high quality blog.
Moldova's president Vladimir Voronin not only calls himself communist but uses some good old tricks from 1989 when they seem fit. I wouldn't say that Moldova is a totalitarian country now, and it's definitely not communist in any sense of the word. Politicians give and take dirty tricks, but Voronins' tricks go well beyond most European standards. For example Voronin has arbitrarilly expelled 245 romanian citizens from Moldova, in fear that they might support his liberal opponents. In Voronin's mind Romanian and Liberal seem to be synonymes. I'm sure neither romanian liberals or their adversaries would agree on this...
One could point ut that the presidents job is to keep good relations with friends and foes, no matter where they stand politically. The time of Purvanovs state visit could have been picked more carefully though... Moldova is going to elections on 5th of April, and Purvanov's cosy handshakes with the communist president might seem like support of his political party. Likewise might the visit to the Bulgarian minority living in Moldova seem as a way to convince them to vote for Voronin.
Things just might be interpreted this way... Popescu interprets them this way any way. I am convinced he is not alone.
Purvanov's orientation towards the EU has been quite a hot topic in Bulgaria lately. When the country was freezing form the lack of Russian gas in January, Purvanov boldly declared his support for opening all Bulgarian nuclear reactors, no matter what Bruxelles would say. Two years before, the closing of one of the reactors was a compromise Bulgaria had to do to join the EU.
The EU-question is rather complex in Bulgarian politics. All parties pay lip service to European ideal, but the absence of a well defined European ideal gives room for very many opinions under this umbrella. There is also strand of nationalistic anti-EU thinking that not is limited to a certain parties, even if the ruling Trojka might be closer to this strand than the SDS-DSB opposition.
Purvanov is the most EU critical politician in public discussion. Bojko Borisov has chosen the EU stars as symbol for his party GERB. Prime minister Stanishev takes a lot of beating from Bruxelles, but he seems more than happy to take part in EU politics...
I don't think this hesitant attitude towards Europe is very unique for Bulgaria, but rather a Europan phenomenon.There is another great post on Euobserver about this, noting the ironic fact that the only truly european party is Declan Glaney's party Libertas, working to prevent the Eu from getting more influence over national states.
Read Popescus post
here
(English original)
or here
(Bulgarian translation)
What angers Popescu is Purvanov's defence of the totalitarian Azerbadjanian regimes right to mess with the electoral laws without European involvment. Purvanov has also chosen to make a state visit to my previous home land Republic of Moldova, the fact that drew my interest to Popescus high quality blog.
Moldova's president Vladimir Voronin not only calls himself communist but uses some good old tricks from 1989 when they seem fit. I wouldn't say that Moldova is a totalitarian country now, and it's definitely not communist in any sense of the word. Politicians give and take dirty tricks, but Voronins' tricks go well beyond most European standards. For example Voronin has arbitrarilly expelled 245 romanian citizens from Moldova, in fear that they might support his liberal opponents. In Voronin's mind Romanian and Liberal seem to be synonymes. I'm sure neither romanian liberals or their adversaries would agree on this...
One could point ut that the presidents job is to keep good relations with friends and foes, no matter where they stand politically. The time of Purvanovs state visit could have been picked more carefully though... Moldova is going to elections on 5th of April, and Purvanov's cosy handshakes with the communist president might seem like support of his political party. Likewise might the visit to the Bulgarian minority living in Moldova seem as a way to convince them to vote for Voronin.
Things just might be interpreted this way... Popescu interprets them this way any way. I am convinced he is not alone.
Purvanov's orientation towards the EU has been quite a hot topic in Bulgaria lately. When the country was freezing form the lack of Russian gas in January, Purvanov boldly declared his support for opening all Bulgarian nuclear reactors, no matter what Bruxelles would say. Two years before, the closing of one of the reactors was a compromise Bulgaria had to do to join the EU.
The EU-question is rather complex in Bulgarian politics. All parties pay lip service to European ideal, but the absence of a well defined European ideal gives room for very many opinions under this umbrella. There is also strand of nationalistic anti-EU thinking that not is limited to a certain parties, even if the ruling Trojka might be closer to this strand than the SDS-DSB opposition.
Purvanov is the most EU critical politician in public discussion. Bojko Borisov has chosen the EU stars as symbol for his party GERB. Prime minister Stanishev takes a lot of beating from Bruxelles, but he seems more than happy to take part in EU politics...
I don't think this hesitant attitude towards Europe is very unique for Bulgaria, but rather a Europan phenomenon.There is another great post on Euobserver about this, noting the ironic fact that the only truly european party is Declan Glaney's party Libertas, working to prevent the Eu from getting more influence over national states.
Read Popescus post
here
(English original)
or here
(Bulgarian translation)
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