Moldovan premier not very happy about relations with Russia
CHISINAU. Oct 27 (Interfax) - After parliamentary elections relations with Russia will need to be improved, Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca told reporters on Monday.
"After coming to power in 2009 we had a harmonious, intensive dialogue with Russia. Unfortunately, we have not had this dialogue recently, and believe me, this was not our fault. There is both the will and the willingness on our part, as well as the ability to find compromise solutions. And this, I hope, can be dealt with after the elections, we need an active dialogue between Moldova and Russia," Leanca said.
Hopefully, differences between Russia and the European Union, which has influence over Moldova, will be resolved in the very near future, he said.
"Moldova is just a small screw in it. I am not very happy about the current state of our relations with Russia, and we are doing all we can to improve them, but so far this depends on many factors," the prime minister said.
One needs to be honest and consistent in a dialogue, he said.
"We have always maintained that our colleagues must see Moldova as a predictable partner. Since the regime change in 2009 we have always said the same thing both in Moscow and in Brussels. We are talking about pro-European orientation. For Moldovans, this is a question of survival, if you like. I am convinced that our state can only survive in the framework of a European model, only this gives us a chance to improve life of our citizens," said the head of government.
Hopefully, the ruling coalition will be able to win a majority in the future parliament and preserve its power, he said.
"The point is not even to preserve power: we need to preserve the national development course, continue the reforms and ensure their efficiency, the results that our citizens can feel. We need not just to continue the reforms but seek a substantial leap," Leanca said.
He said he was satisfied with his government's performance, noting that his subordinates are high professionals in their field.
"We have proved that coalitions work. Until 2009, we had one party with a monopoly to power. I don't think we should go back to that. Decisions are more difficult to make within a coalition. But these will be calibrated decisions, when there is control and a system of checks and balances," the premier said.
Leanca signaled that he is prepared to carry on as the prime minister. He did not dismiss claims that this is what Moldova's main EU partners want, stressing that "good contacts have been established with them, both at the governmental and personal level."
Asked about the opening of just five polling stations in Russia for the November 30 Moldovan parliamentary elections, he defended it as a well-considered, well-substantiated decision.
"We have studied the situation. The absolute majority of Moldovans working in Russia are seasonal workers. They are still in Russia, but many will return before November 30 and be able to vote in the elections at places of their permanent residence," Leanca said.
Initially, it was proposed to open 15 polling stations in Russia. The government then cut the number to five. In all, Moldova will have 95 polling stations opened abroad, including 25 in Italy.