Moldovan PM announces resignation
CHISINAU. June 12 (Interfax) - Moldova's Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici announced on Friday he was tendering his resignation over accusations of forging his high school and college diplomas.
"I am not a politician. I am a manager. I do not want to take part in any political games. I do not want my education to become a national issue," he told a press briefing.
Gaburici also said he was ready to help investigate claims that he had allegedly forged his diplomas.
"All citizens are equal before the law, and it is necessary to help the investigation. I wish I had dealt with the issue of my education a long time ago in order to stop it from becoming an instrument of political games. It is not a political gesture. I am a manager. I am not a politician. I have considered my decision thoroughly," he said.
Gaburici made this announcement two days before Moldova's local elections, set for June 14.
Recent public opinion surveys suggest that opposition parties, primarily the Socialist Party and Our Party, which seek closer ties with Russia and the Customs Union and propose terminating Moldova's Association Agreement with the European Union, have a good chance of winning the polls.