Fourteen operators from Gagauzia retransmit audiovisual programs based on authorizations issued by the Constructions, Infrastructure Development and Communications Division of the local executive. The Broadcasting Coordination Council (BCC) does not recognize these documents and is concerned about the fact that the conflict is expanding. On the other hand, Gagauz officials say they act in accordance with the local legislation.

The head of the BCC’s Control and Digitization Division Victor Pulbere has told IPN that the Broadcasting Coordination Council is the only licensing authority in Moldova’s broaching sector. What they do in southern Moldova is illegal.

BCC jurist Ion Duhlicher said the Comrat Court of Appeals also established the illegality of the broadcast licenses and retransmitting authorizations issued by the authorities of Gagauzia.

Contacted by IPN, Cornel Dudnic, head of the Comrat Constructions, Infrastructure Development and Communications Division, said the broadcast licenses and authorizations for retransmitting audiovisual programs are issued based on the Law on Broadcasters and the Licensing Law adopted by the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.

“The legislation is not perfect, but work is done to adjust it and amendments will be soon submitted to the People’s Assembly for adoption. The broadcast licenses are issued legally. The problem probably resides in the fact that the laws in Comrat do not correspond to the laws in Chisinau,” said Dudnic.

As to the court decisions to annul broadcast licenses and retransmission authorizations, Cornel Dudnic said he knows nothing about such decisions.

The BCC announced it will challenge the Gagauz executive’s decisions concerning broadcasting in court.