President Dodon believes ex-Romanian President Basescu to be declared persona non grata in Moldova
CHISINAU. Jan 18 (Interfax) - Moldovan President Igor Dodon believes that former Romanian President Traian Basescu will be declared persona non grata in Moldova.
"There have been many requests to this end filed by civil organizations, civil society, and the Party of Socialists. I have no such powers, but I am sure this will happen sooner or later. It is inadmissible to indifferently watch Traian Basescu travel around our country and call for its liquidation, like the incumbent authorities do," Dodon told the TVC21 television channel on Wednesday night.
Basescu's canvassing for the National Unity Party will not help it win the parliamentary election in Moldova, he said.
"He won't be elected to parliament. He is not and will not be a citizen of Moldova. I will not sign this executive order, and no one will make me do so," Dodon said.
He reminded that a year ago he deprived Basescu of Moldova's citizenship, which he had received from former Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti. The lawyers of the former Romanian president appealed Dodon's decision.
"I believe the court will put an end to the matter in the coming days. Traian Basescu has nothing to do in Moldova," Dodon said.
He denied allegations that he is anti-Romanian.
Dodon also regretted that he had no meetings with the heads of Romania and Ukraine during the first year of his presidency.
"I have invited Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to visit Moldova at his convenience. I hope we will meet both in the bilateral format and at international forums this year," Dodon said.
Basescu became a citizen of Moldova 18 months ago, allowing him to engage in Moldovan politics.