The referendum planned by the Gagauz authorities has nothing to do with the citizens' real problems, stated Prime Minister Iurie Leanca after the Government's meeting today, when asked to comment on the recent developments in the Gagauz autonomy.

He said that during his visit to Taraclia he found confirmation that the citizens of Moldova, from north to south, need to see their social, economic and infrastructure-related problems resolved. “The planned referendum has nothing to do with these issues. The only thing it can do is to tense up the situation in the south of the country. We need to focus on real problems. Today I suggested that we should hold a Cabinet meeting in Comrat to discuss the issues faced by the provinces”, said Iurie Leanca.

The prime minister added that the central government is ready to talk any problems, but it won't accept any actions that fall outside the local authorities' powers and that violate the law. “I hope that the administration in Comrat will be open to our intention to discuss the region's real problems”.

A referendum is scheduled for February 2 in Gagauzia on the autonomy's “right to external self-determination”.