Moldovan presidential candidate Igor Dodon states plans to defend Moldova's nationhood, neutrality
CHISINAU. Oct 6 (Interfax) - The leader of the Moldovan socialists and the leading presidential candidate has expressed the intent to strengthen Moldova's nationhood and defend its neutrality, as well as suppress unionist tendencies in the country.
"The aggressive campaign of advocating unification with Romania is going on overtly in the parliament, the government and other state institutions. I will present an initiative on a legislative ban of unionism in all its manifestations. It also concerns those striving to league in the East, as well as those seeking unification in the West. We must preserve the nationhood of the Republic of Moldova. The fundamental provisions of my manifesto are nationhood, neutrality and Moldovan identity," Dodon said when presenting his pre-election manifesto at the foot of the Monument of Stefan cel Mare in Chisinau on Wednesday.
Dodon also pledged to change the composition of Moldova's Supreme Security Council, which should be joined by "true professionals and committed statists". "I will initiate drafting a new National Security Strategy to mention unionism and wrongful acts of oligarchs among the threats to nationhood," Dodon said, adding that he would never appoint any persons holding foreign passports in any senior positions.
The projected changes will also affect the country's Code of Education, because children should be taught the history of their own country, the history of Moldova, he said.
Dodon also plans to seek international assurances regarding Moldova's neutrality, as well as a new neutrality law adopted in order to prevent "soldiers of NATO or foreign states from marching out in the streets and squares of the republic".
"Our country is 657 years old. Moldova only has a future as a Moldovan and neutral country. In the words of Stefan cel Mare, Moldova belongs to our successors, so let us preserve this country in the name of the future of our children," he said.
The Moldovan presidential elections are scheduled for October 30. Eight candidates have been qualified and duly registered to take part in the electoral campaign, and another eight are waiting for the decision of the country's central electoral commission that is currently verifying the signatures collected in support of their nomination. Recent polls suggest that Igor Dodon, the leader of Moldova's opposition Party of Socialists, is leading the presidential race and with certainty going into the second round. He has a chance to win approximately 35% of the vote in the first round.