Parliament examines denunciation of CIS agreements

Moldova’s withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States is a very important decision, says Speaker Igor Grosu. The official stressed that this decision will put an end to a contradictory situation in which citizens vote overwhelmingly for European integration, while the Republic of Moldova continues to remain in a “defunct” relationship with the CIS. The statements were made on the sidelines of the Parliament’s plenary session, which today will examine two draft laws to this effect.

“It is a very important political decision because, sooner or later, it settles the question of why the Republic of Moldova, under very clear conditions and after so many elections in which citizens have voted for the European path, is still in a politically defunct alliance that serves only to allow some politicians to speculate that the Republic of Moldova is following some sort of dual course… Almost everyone wrinkles their nose when they hear about the CIS – from there come blackmail and death, just look at what is happening in Ukraine,” Grosu said.

In the first reading, MPs will examine the draft law on the denunciation of the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS, signed in Minsk on 8 December 1991.

“This is the basic agreement, the most important one, because around it other related agreements were signed in various fields, which we have previously denounced, but this is the very foundation from which all the other agreements started. Today it will be put forward in the first reading; the procedure will follow – at least ten days must pass and it must go through three readings,” Igor Grosu explained.

Also today, MPs will vote on the draft law on the denunciation of the CIS statute, signed in Minsk on 22 January 1993. Asked by journalists what attitude is expected from opposition MPs, Grosu replied that he does not know yet, but stressed that today’s vote will be a test for MPs from other factions who support the European integration of the Republic of Moldova.

“It is a test of sincerity for those who declare themselves, who claim to be pro-European. Let’s see, now we will have the opportunity to discuss and to put it to a vote. It is grotesque when they posture on the side, but when it comes to the vote they quickly go out for a smoke,” Grosu added.

Parliament is to denounce the Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as the statute of this organization. The draft laws are included on the agenda of the Parliament’s sitting on Friday, 20 March, and are to be examined in the first reading.