15 May 2023 16:14

Moldovan Socialists announce campaign to retain Moldova's CIS membership

CHISINAU. May 15 (Interfax) - The Party of Socialists of Moldova (PSRM) has denounced a statement by the parliamentary chairman, Igor Grosu, and other leaders of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) on beginning Moldova's withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly.

"The current Moldovan leaders, who came to power in 2020-2021, have no mandate to ruin our republic's historical ties that it has developed over centuries, including over the 30 years of its independence. They promised to the people [that they would form] an honest and incorruptible government, combat crime and corruption, raise wages and pensions, develop democracy and freedom of speech, and defend human rights. They have no mandate for geopolitical experiments that divide society," the PSRM said in a statement on Monday announcing its intention to launch a campaign to retain Moldova's CIS membership.

"Moldova will not survive without preserving full membership of the CIS, and without strengthening political, economic, social, and spiritual ties with the Eurasian countries," the statement says.

"Any decision on changing the constitutional principles of the country's sovereignty and neutrality, or its withdrawal from the CIS, or on any amendment of the Republic of Moldova's geopolitical status quo, can be made only on the basis of a nationwide referendum," it said.

"Political adventurists who put their whims above the constitution, the law, and our country's historical experience should be removed from power through early elections," it said.

Earlier on Monday, Grosu announced the decision to initiate Moldova's withdrawal from the agreement on the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. In February, Chisinau recalled its permanent envoy to the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu announced the start of the country's withdrawal from CIS agreements.