Opinions of New MPs on Moldova’s Membership in the CIS Differ

Moldova retains its status as a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, although it has declared its desire to join the European Union. Socialist Party MP Olga Cebotari said that the country should not leave the CIS. PAS MP Radu Marian, in turn, noted that Moldova needs good relations “with all countries”, according to tv8.md. “The Republic of Moldova has about 300, maybe even more, agreements with the CIS. I agree that some of them had to be terminated because they had not been in force for 10-20 years. However, the main agreements – economic, social, medical – remain in force to this day”, Cebotari said. Radu Marian of PAS noted that the authorities had terminated agreements that did not serve Moldova’s interests, retaining only those that directly benefit citizens. “When it comes to PAS’ foreign policy, European integration is undoubtedly our main goal and the status we strive for as the ruling party. At the same time, we advocate good relations with all countries, because Moldova is a peaceful country,” Marian said. Vasile Costiuc, a member of the Democracy at Home party, opposed maintaining membership in the CIS, considering it contrary to the course of integration into the EU. “Isn’t this contradictory? I think you are being hypocritical: if you say you are pro-European, then act accordingly,” he said to Marian.