Politics
Joe Biden has delivered a historical speech in Chișinău (VIDEO)
Reading Time: 6 minutes It seems that today will become an important date in Moldova’s history. The US vice president Joe Biden has delivered his speech to a considerable number of enthusiastic people.
Chișinău / Moldova.ORG/ — It seems that today will become an important date in Moldova’s history. The US vice president Joe Biden has delivered his speech to a considerable number of enthusiastic people (see below the full text of his remarks).
“I am here today to congratulate not only on the 20th anniversary of independence, but also to empower your journey to democracy.
You should be proud of what you have done, your experience proves that political transition can be peaceful. Achieving democracy is not easy, but it is worth to struggle!”
Joe Biden has raised the Transnistrian subject and said that Transnistria is a part of Moldova and it belongs to Moldova. “Transnistria’s future lies inside Moldova. This great country was disrupted for far too long.”
“We support your commitment to the political and democratic reforms, there can be no democracy without a transparent legal system. You have to fight corruption and human trafficking.”
The vice president specified that “America will continue to support and preserve Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The USA will offer assistance in the agricultural sector. “Over 5 years US will give 262 million dollar to support the agricultural reforms.” Farmers will have the opportunity to buy equipments and develop their activities.
In his speech, Joe Biden mentioned the big challenge Moldova has to face in order to finalize its way to improve democracy. “You and your leaders are up to that challenge, the better future is in your hands”, he said.
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The White House
Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2011
REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN IN CHISINAU, MOLDOVA
Opera House Square
Chisinau, Moldova
2:15 P.M. (Local)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Mr. Prime Minister, Mrs. Filat, and most importantly, Tina, your daughter who is sitting there with my granddaughter Finnegan. They’re 12-years-old each. I’m not sure if Finnegan is going to come home with me. This is so beautiful.
Hello, Chisinau. (Applause.) And hello to everyone across the street. (Applause.) I want to thank you all on behalf of me and Jill, my wife, and our granddaughter for according us such a great honor on such a beautiful day.
And I’d like to also thank all the people of Moldova for hosting this visit. I have heard about your hospitality, but what I heard does not do justice to the hospitality I’ve received. Again, thank you very, very much. (Applause.)
On behalf of President Obama, I want to say that this is truly a special privilege — a privilege to be here at this transformative moment in your history, and quite frankly the history of the world. There is much, much that is changing not only here in Central and Eastern Europe, but in North Africa, in the Middle East and throughout the world. Freedom is in the air. (Applause.) And democracy is emerging in countries that for generations have known nothing but authoritarian rule.
In Tunisia and Egypt, people stood up for their rights, and they’re now taking their first tentative steps toward democracy. In Libya, people are fighting for those same rights in the face of violence from their own government. And here — here in this region, it has been over 20 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the United States has worked with you for a Europe that is whole, free and at peace. (Applause.)
We’re not quite there yet, but let me tell you this we will stand-by-side with you as we finish this job. (Applause.) I come to Moldova from Moscow. Russia and America are partners on a wide range of global challenges. And over the past two years, we have reset our relations and produced real benefits — not only for the Russian people and the American people, but I believe for the people of this region and the world, as well.
When I was in Russia, I spoke with the leaders of the Russian government as well as the political opposition, leaders of business as well as civil society. I spoke with them straightforwardly about the need to fight corruption, the need to strengthen democratic institutions, the need for a judicial system that is both trusted and fair.
In Georgia, we support the emergence of a strong democracy and free markets, and the integrity of Georgia’s territory. We also are working with both parties — Russians and Georgians — to reduce the threat of renewed conflict. In Ukraine, the world welcomed the Orange Revolution, but there is much hard work remaining to be done to sustain its success. The Ukrainian people want a future that is democratic and European, and we intend to help them see it through.
The people of Belarus have demanded and they deserve basic rights. We have condemned the government of Belarus for the repression of its own citizens. We’ve joined the European Union in imposing sanctions against that government, and we call for the immediate release of all political prisoners. (Applause.)
I am here today to congratulate you, not only on the 20th anniversary of your independence, but for the powerful — (Applause.) Yes, you can clap for yourselves. (Applause.) But also for the powerful message your journey toward democracy has sent to millions of people beyond your border.
You should be proud — proud of what you have done. Your experience here in Moldova proves that political transition can be peaceful, that free and fair elections and a genuine commitment to reform can turn democratic values into reality, and that around the world — people around the world yearn for basic rights and freedom, no matter what language they use to demand them.
You know from your own experience that achieving democracy is not easy, but you also know it is worth the struggle. (Applause.) President Obama and I along with the American people have watched that struggle and celebrated your successes, and we are determined to help you build on your achievements. We strongly support your commitment to political and economic reforms and taking on hard issues.
While we applaud your progress, let me be clear, there can be no democracy without a transparent legal system, without a commitment to fight corruption and an end to human trafficking. (Applause.)
On Transnistria, America has supported and will continue to support a settlement — not any settlement, but a settlement that preserves Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — (applause) — within — within your internationally recognized borders.
Formal negotiations with a real agenda should resume as soon as possible. Transnistria’s future lies inside Moldova — (applause) — within — within the community of Europe. The people of Moldova deserve an end to a dispute that has divided this great country for far too long. (Applause.)
Folks, political change is hard. Economic reform can be even harder, especially when unemployment is high and prices are rising. People everywhere, including in my own country, America, worry about jobs and prices, as well. But as you reform your economy, more foreign investment will flow into Moldova, more of Moldova’s businesses will enter foreign markets. And that will add up to higher paying jobs and more jobs.
As you continue on this journey, I promise you, America will be your partner. Over five years, the United States — over the next five years, the United States will provide a quarter of a billion dollars — $262 million to support your agricultural industry. (Applause.) This assistance, God willing, will improve your roads to help your farmers get their goods to market, will make it easier for your farmers to secure the loans they need to buy better equipment. We will work with the Moldovan government on economic policies to grow your economy to attract foreign investment, train civil society to become more effective advocates and help improve Moldova’s schools.
And by the way, Moldova has made its own contributions — significant contributions to American society and to American culture. Let me give you two recent examples. A fellow named Rahm Emmanuel, President Obama’s former chief of staff, who is the newly elected mayor of Chicago in Illinois, America’s third largest city, he says that he has inherited his legendary toughness from his Moldovan grandfather. (Applause.) I’m serious. Who became a labor leader in America after emigrating to the United States.
And someone we appreciate even more, Natalie Portman, who last month won an Academy Award for best actress in America, I don’t know whether you know this, but she told us she carries in her wallet a picture, a photograph of her Moldovan grandmother. (Applause.)
And I know this is not on the teleprompter, but she’s a heck of a lot better looking than Rahm Emmanuel. (laughter.)
Look, folks, what Moldovans — what all of you want for your future America supports, as well: a democratic and prosperous European state, a better life for you and your families.
America will walk with you on this journey you’ve undertaken for a simple reason: because a successful Moldova will benefit this region; it will benefit Europe; and it will benefit the United States of America. You’re small. You’re a small country, but you are tackling large consequential issues head-on. I believe you and your leaders are up to that challenge. A better future is within your reach.
Take a look around you. Think about your families. Think about your children. Think about what you left 20 years ago. Think about freedom, democracy and prosperity — what it will mean to your families and your children. When you do that, I assure you no matter how tough the road, it will never be too hard.
And I’m proud — I’m proud to have had the opportunity to stand with you today to offer my country’s congratulations and support on your 20th anniversary of independence and your continued — your continued move toward democratic institutions and becoming part of Europe.
Thank you. May God bless America and may God bless Moldova. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
2:30 P.M. (Local)
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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