Politics
Tunnel definition
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe demagogical project of the Moldovan communists continues, and as of today we witness a new „agonizing throb”, by the fact that they “suggest to Moldova another way than disunity and confrontation”, in a speech of the communist leader, on www.omg.md.
By Andrei Munteanu
The demagogical project of the Moldovan communists continues, and as of today we witness a new „agonizing throb”, by the fact that they “suggest to Moldova another way than disunity and confrontation”, in a speech of the communist leader, on www.omg.md. What goes on in the R.M. nowadays, even in the frame of the coalition government, it is not a „disunity and confrontation” but a reshuffling and/or reorientation of political and ideological appurtenance, which is an unavoidable phase in the natural process of raising awareness on the evil that was imposed to us, and which we inherited from the communist ideology.
When you want to undertake something to make the consequences least burdensome for the current generation, and even more for the forthcoming generation, it is not easy at all. The way it is as hard as the historical past, we strive to get rid of.
In order to be easier convinced of the importance of getting rid, we could take only one quotation, from the review: „Nature and consequences of bolshevism”, by Vladimir Tismaneanu, on Aleksandr Iakovlev’s book: „A Century of Violence in Soviet Russia”, issued in 2002 at the Yale University Press, and we can see how many things, according to the author, make us be: „still shocked of the revelations on the scope, intensity and stupefying human costs of the organized terror by the bolshevik party-state”.
Bellow there are only several sequences: „In the teleological scheme Iakovlev operates with, the Leninism which is the accomplishment of Marxism, and Stalinism is the refinement of Leninism. […]. As chairman of the Commission for Rehabilitation of Stalinism Victims (function held up to nowadays), Iakovlev enjoyed a privileged access to archives. In this function he uses in a masterly way these documents in order to offer an act of fair and responsible accusation on terrifying outcome of Leninism.
The conclusions of the book are devastating for the system which Iakovlev served ardently. Here is for example a paragraph which captures the scope of the catastrophe: “The years of my experience in rehabilitation of the political terror victims allow me to affirm that the number of persons from the USSR killed due to political reasons, or who died in the campuses and prisons throughout the period of soviet power, amounts to about 20 and 25 million. To this adds up undoubtedly 5,5 million of dead during the years of civil war and over 5 million in the 1930’s””.
The today’s communists have not changed their style. While listening to the quotations of their leader we can understand that this message is embedded with „esoteric connotations”, being as risky and destructive as at that time, long ago, when there was crystallizing the basement of a ridiculous farce – of the communist bolshevism.
Fore instance the phrase of Vladimir Voronin: „In this darkened tunnel, Moldova has got today, the whole society anxiously expects that light beam which will show the way out from this crisis. The society waits for the force which eventually will unite altogether, regardless of vision towards their own identity, history and past”; – a tumult of words which apparently sound „sweet for one’s hearing”, but missing sense in the context of the nowadays situation.
First of all we should re-conceptualize that a modern society may not need so much, any more, a „force to unite [beware!?] altogether” but mobilizing ideas, worthy of being followed, and an educational system which could produce and develop skills and competences which, again, produce human capital and capacities for development, which should cultivate the morale based on sustainable principles and inspire trust, that the future will not be abused anymore.
A modern society does not need any more radical notions like: „uniting altogether”, but letting the “door open” also for a constructive dialogue, and most important – intelligent one – between a majority and a minority, as doubtless value for avoiding stagnation.
A modern society needs equally non-material values, such as truth, by which, if they are really considered as human beings, should know why they got to the point of being in need of a „light beam”, after a turbulent period of decades, and also know where is the beginning of this „tunnel”, and where is the end, at least with high probability. One should not be simplistic inasmuch as not to perceive that a “tunnel” in the definition of the C.P.R.M., can easily become „labyrinth”, if a society is tolerably administrated by „forces” which keep promoting violence and lie, instead of giving “green light” to freedom of motivational and convincing discourses.
By communists’ obsessive attachment to the past, there will not be a clear cut definition which could be the “end of the tunnel”, as long as a „method” to „unite altogether, regardless of vision towards their own identity, history and past” is admitted the „force”, as alternative to leadership.
The radical approach „altogether” suggests that they are not open to tolerate manners of modern thinking in which struggle of ideas differs from „class ideological struggle”, and has a decisive role in the moves made at societal level; what matters for them is „force” which can have too many interpretations, that one can hardly acknowledge when the „force” representative commits abuses, with dramatic consequences for many years to come, shouldn’t it be unmasked in due time and manner.
The Republic of Moldova needs idea generators for a dynamic and modern future, and not bearers of shame and enjoyers of committed crimes, as we can see also from the papers of the former comrades of the nowadays Moldovan communists, as Iakovlev. What is done there at the C.P.R.M. meetings, is essentially a process of common sense „vandalization” and of its consequences are in charge equally all of us, for the sake of our future, and even more for the sake of our children’s future.
It is high time that in the R.M. starts manifesting a modern leadership detached of historical whims, and for this it is essential to be able make distinction between the importance of honoring the victims of the past and nostalgic attachment to the past, where from we inherited just a regretful delay from the dynamic and modern civilizations. A dynamic and modern civilization is incompatible with violence and lie.
It is not accidental that Mr. Tismaneanu pays attention to the disclosures that: „The most successful chapters from Iakovlev’s book approach the destruction of the intellectuals”, because only the people with due training can perceive demagogies from the „eloquence” and unveil the real intentions.
The real intentions of the communists have been seen already, evidenced on the eve of their giving up the governance, by means of the letter of the ex-adviser Oleg Reidman to ex-president Voronin, in which he suggested to „reduce” the staff of the educational institutions by 5000 teachers.
A new football club has earned a leading place in the UEFA Champions League groups and starred in the headlines of worldwide football news yesterday. The Football Club Sheriff Tiraspol claimed a win with the score 2-1 against Real Madrid on the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. That made Sheriff Tiraspol the leader in Group D of the Champions League, including the football club in the groups of the most important European interclub competition for the first time ever.
International media outlets called it a miracle, a shock and a historic event, while strongly emphasizing the origin of the team and the existing political conflict between the two banks of the Dniester. “Football club from a pro-Russian separatist enclave in Moldova pulls off one of the greatest upsets in Champions League history,” claimed the news portals. “Sheriff crushed Real!” they said.
Moldovans made a big fuss out of it on social media, splitting into two groups: those who praised the team and the Republic of Moldova for making history and those who declared that the football club and their merits belong to Transnistria – a problematic breakaway region that claims to be a separate country.
Both groups are right and not right at the same time, as there is a bunch of ethical, political, social and practical matters that need to be considered.
Is it Moldova?
First of all, every Moldovan either from the right or left bank of Dniester (Transnistria) is free to identify himself with this achievement or not to do so, said Vitalie Spranceana, a sociologist, blogger, journalist and urban activist. According to him, boycotting the football club for being a separatist team is wrong.
At the same time, “it’s an illusion to think that territory matters when it comes to football clubs,” Spranceana claimed. “Big teams, the ones included in the Champions League, have long lost their connection both with the countries in which they operate, and with the cities in which they appeared and to which they linked their history. […] In the age of globalized commercial football, teams, including the so-called local ones, are nothing more than global traveling commercial circuses, incidentally linked to cities, but more closely linked to all sorts of dirty, semi-dirty and cleaner cash flows.”
What is more important in this case is the consistency, not so much of citizens, as of politicians from the government who have “no right to celebrate the success of separatism,” as they represent “the national interests, not the personal or collective pleasures of certain segments of the population,” believes the political expert Dionis Cenusa. The victory of FC Sheriff encourages Transnistrian separatism, which receives validation now, he also stated.
“I don’t know how it happens that the “proud Moldovans who chose democracy”, in their enthusiasm for Sheriff Tiraspol’s victory over Real Madrid, forget the need for total and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria!” declared the journalist Vitalie Ciobanu.
Nowadays, FC Sheriff Tiraspol has no other choice than to represent Moldova internationally. For many years, the team used the Moldovan Football Federation in order to be able to participate in championships, including international ones. That is because the region remains unrecognised by the international community. However, the club’s victory is presented as that of Transnistria within the region, without any reference to the Republic of Moldova, its separatist character being applied in this case especially.
Is it a victory?
In fact, FC Sheriff Tiraspol joining the Champions League is a huge image breakthrough for the Transnistrian region, as the journalist Madalin Necsutu claimed. It is the success of the Tiraspol Club oligarchic patrons. From the practical point of view, FC Sheriff Tiraspol is a sports entity that serves its own interests and the interests of its owners, being dependent on the money invested by Tiraspol (but not only) oligarchs.
Here comes the real dilemma: the Transnistrian team, which is generously funded by money received from corruption schemes and money laundering, is waging an unequal fight with the rest of the Moldovan football clubs, the journalist also declared. The Tiraspol team is about to raise 15.6 million euro for reaching the Champions League groups and the amounts increase depending on their future performance. According to Necsutu, these money will go directly on the account of the club, not to the Moldovan Football Federation, creating an even bigger gab between FC Sheriff and other football clubs from Moldova who have much more modest financial possibilities.
“I do not see anything useful for Moldovan football, not a single Moldovan player is part of FC Sheriff Tiraspol. I do not see anything beneficial for the Moldovan Football Federation or any national team.”
Is it only about football?
FC Sheriff Tiraspol, with a total estimated value of 12.8 million euros, is controlled by Victor Gusan and Ilya Kazmala, being part of Sheriff Holding – a company that controls the trade of wholesale, retail food, fuels and medicine by having monopolies on these markets in Transnistria. The holding carries out car trading activities, but also operates in the field of construction and real estate. Gusan’s people also hold all of the main leadership offices in the breakaway region, from Parliament to the Prime Minister’s seat or the Presidency.
The football club is supported by a holding alleged of smuggling, corruption, money laundering and organised crime. Moldovan media outlets published investigations about the signals regarding the Sheriff’s holding involvement in the vote mobilization and remuneration of citizens on the left bank of the Dniester who participated in the snap parliamentary elections this summer and who were eager to vote for the pro-Russian socialist-communist bloc.
Considering the above, there is a great probability that the Republic of Moldova will still be represented by a football club that is not identified as being Moldovan, being funded from obscure money, growing in power and promoting the Transnistrian conflict in the future as well.
Photo: unknown
Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavrilita, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nicu Popescu, pay an official visit to Brussels, between September 27-28, being invited by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles.
Today, Prime Minister had a meeting with Charles Michel, President of the European Council. The Moldovan PM thanked the senior European official for the support of the institution in strengthening democratic processes, reforming the judiciary and state institutions, economic recovery and job creation, as well as increasing citizens’ welfare. Natalia Gavrilita expressed her confidence that the current visit laid the foundations for boosting relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, so that, in the next period, it would be possible to advance high-level dialogues on security, justice and energy. Officials also exchanged views on priorities for the Eastern Partnership Summit, to be held in December.
“The EU is open to continue to support the Republic of Moldova and the ambitious reform agenda it proposes. Moldova is an important and priority partner for us,” said Charles Michel.
Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita also met with Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy, expressing her gratitude for the support received through the OMNIBUS macro-financial assistance program. The two officials discussed the need to advance the recovery of money from bank fraud, to strengthen sustainable mechanisms for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Moldova, and to standardize the customs and taxes as one of the main conditions for deepening cooperation with the EU in this field.
Additionally, Prime Minister spoke about the importance of the Eastern Partnership and the Deep Free Trade Agreement, noting that the Government’s policies are aimed at developing an economic model aligned with the European economic model, focused on digitalization, energy efficiency and the green economy.
A common press release of the Moldovan Prime Minister with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles, took place today, where the agenda of Moldova’s reforms and the main priorities to focus on in the coming months were presented: judiciary reform; fighting COVID-19 pandemic; promoting economic recovery and conditions for growth and job creation; strengthening state institutions and resilience of the country.
“I am here to relaunch the dialogue between my country and the European Union. Our partnership is strong, but I believe there is room for even deeper cooperation and stronger political, economic and sectoral ties. I am convinced that this partnership is the key to the prosperity of our country and I hope that we will continue to strengthen cooperation.”
The Moldovan delegation met Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice. Tomorrow, there are scheduled common meetings with Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Adina Valean, European Commissioner for Transport and Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy.
Prime Minister will also attend a public event, along with Katarina Mathernova, Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations.
Photo: gov.md
Politics
Promo-LEX about Maia Sandu’s UN speech: The president must insist on appointing a rapporteur to monitor the situation of human rights in Transnistria
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, pays an official visit to New York, USA, between September 21-22. There, she participates in the work of the United Nations General Assembly. According to a press release of the President’s Office, the official will deliver a speech at the tribune of the United Nations.
In this context, the Promo-LEX Association suggested the president to request the appointment of a special rapporteur in order to monitor the situation of human rights in the Transnistrian region. According to Promo-LEX, the responsibility for human rights violations in the Transnistrian region arises as a result of the Russian Federation’s military, economic and political control over the Tiraspol regime.
“We consider it imperative to insist on the observance of the international commitments assumed by the Russian Federation regarding the withdrawal of the armed forces and ammunition from the territory of the country,” the representatives of Promo-LEX stated. They consider the speech before the UN an opportunity “to demand the observance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the Russian Federation with reference to this territory which is in its full control.”
“It is important to remember about the numerous cases of murder, torture, ill-treatment, forced enlistment in illegal military structures, the application of pseudo-justice in the Transnistrian region, all carried out under the tacit agreement of the Russian Federation. These findings stem from dozens of rulings and decisions issued by the European Court of Human Rights, which found that Russia is responsible for human rights violations in the region.”
The association representatives expressed their hope that the president of the country would give priority to issues related to the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region and would call on relevant international actors to contribute to guaranteeing fundamental human rights and freedoms throughout Moldova.
They asked Maia Sandu to insist on the observance of the obligation to evacuate the ammunition and the military units of the Russian Federation from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, to publicly support the need for the Russian Federation to implement the ECtHR rulings on human rights violations in the Transnistrian region, and to request the appointment of an UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur to monitor the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.
**
The Promo-LEX Association concluded that 14 out of 25 actions planned within the National Action Plan for the years 2018–2022 concerning respecting human rights in Transnistria were not carried out by the responsible authorities.
The association expressed its concern and mentioned that there are a large number of delays in the planned results. “There is a lack of communication and coordination between the designated institutions, which do not yet have a common vision of interaction for the implementation of the plan.”
Promo-LEX requested the Government of the Republic of Moldova to re-assess the reported activities and to take urgent measures, “which would exclude superficial implementation of future activities and increase the level of accountability of the authorities.”
Photo: peacekeeping.un.org
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