Roadmap for national reconciliation and European integration in Moldova
News Source: Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) “Viitorul”, Chisinau, Moldova
Roadmap launched by Moldovan think-tanks and human rights groups
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The April 2009 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova were assessed by the “Coalition 2009” NGO observation mission as “partially free and unfair”. The perception of election fraud generated protests, which overlapped with violent actions and devastation of some State institutions buildings, unprotected by the law enforcement bodies. The Government embarked upon degrading and inhuman treatment of peaceful protesters, intimidation against political parties, media and civil society. These actions created deep cleavages within the society and a lack of political and social dialogue. The temperate response of the Western partners was perceived by the governing Communist Party as an assurance that the West, first of all the US and EU, would not voice more serious concerns, or use the political tools at their disposal. Thus, there is a danger that Moldova might transit to a harsher authoritarian regime. The disregard to the public interest, all of the citizens regardless of their vote for one or another political party, is dangerous for the future of the country and deepens the crisis. Only a more robust and firm engagement of the West in Moldova, EU first of all, can return the country to governance in a correct democratic framework.
The Roadmap is an initiative of Moldovan civil society and suggests the first steps out of the stalemate, and an efficient mechanism of crisis management for the EU and the Moldovan authorities:
Reinstating the rule of law
• Moldovan Government has to halt the oppressive actions, provide for effective respect of civil and political freedoms. It should comply with the constitutional provisions.
• EU needs to authorise a Special Investigation Mission to participate in works of the State Commission investigating legal abuses committed in Moldova after April 6, 2009.
• Deployment of an EU Rule of Law Mission to Moldova to assist reforming the law enforcement bodies: judiciary, prosecution, police, intelligence and security service, and other “force” structures.
Constitutional rights and liberties
• Moldovan Government has to ensure unimpeded access to fair and equitable justice to all citizens regardless of political preferences.
• Public actors, the civil society and political parties will have, from now on, free access to the public media. The reform of the public broadcast service will start immediately. Political censorship will be halted.
• OSCE shall appoint a Special Envoy of the Representative on Freedom of Media, to ensure public mass media independence, banning hate speech, xenophobic and anti-democratic propaganda.
Political dialogue
• EU has to set up a Permanent Political Conference (PPC) in Moldova, led by a high-ranking EU official assisted by Working Groups (Task Force), aiming at facilitating the political dialogue between the opposition and the authorities (the incumbent Government).
• EU shall condition the future EU-Moldova Agreement on the settlement of the political crisis in Moldova, reinstating the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
• Moldovan Government must return to democratic standards, while EU will consequently accept the negotiation of more generous policies on visas and other political facilities.
Responding to economic crisis
• The political crisis could worsen Moldova’s economic situation. Establishing a Partners for Development Conference on Moldova will help coordinate the financial aid priorities.
• To guarantee an efficient administration of necessary foreign aid during crisis, the EU needs to establish a National Fund for Development (NFDRM), separated from the Moldovan state budget.
• Republic of Moldova needs to set up with the partners a National Anti-Crisis Council (NACC), consisting of representative members of political parties, civil society and business associations.
ROADMAP4b_engl.doc (62.50 kB)
Road Map Summary_May 4.doc (28.00 kB)
