Moldova to extend state of emergency over Ukraine situation - PM

CHISINAU. April 12 (Interfax) - The state of emergency declared in Moldova because of the Ukraine situation will be extended, Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita told reporters on Tuesday.

"As long as the war is on in Ukraine and the risk of a new wave of refugees exists, these are the grounds to ask the parliament to extend the state of emergency. The government is drafting a respective motion," Gavrilita said.

The Moldovan leadership has pledged not to abuse the powers it has amid the state of emergency, she said.

"The state of emergency is a forced measure undertaken to minimize implications from the Ukraine crisis. This is how citizens of Moldova can feel safer. Because we will have a quick decision-making instrument - the emergency commission. The traditional decision-making mechanism, the parliament, also remains available," Gavrilita said.

Moldova announced a 60-day state of emergency on February 24, 2022. The parliament unanimously voted for the decision after the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine.