Representatives of national creation unions sounded the alarm – the sector of culture is in a deplorable situation, but the authorities do nothing to improve the situation. Dozens of people of culture came together for a roundtable meeting on May 20 to discuss the pressing problems faced in the area of culture with MPs and members of the parliamentary commission on culture. The discussions were held on the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The sector of culture should be supported as it continues to be marginalized and plays the role of Cinderella. The people of culture are in a very difficult situation. The problems of the unions of culture are very serious. We do not want to beg. We work for national and international programs, but this is not enough,” said the chairman of the Writers Union Arcadie Suceveanu. Arcadie Suceveanu submitted a number of demands to the authorities, including to restore the book translation institution, sponsor the publication of a cultural magazine, provide support to disadvantaged, sick and old persons of culture. He stressed the necessity of adopting a law that would provide for the allocation of merit allowances to culture and literature personalities. Ghenadie Jalba, chairman of the Union of Plastic Artists, asked supporting the Moldovan artists in activities outside the country. “The organization of painting and sculpture exhibitions abroad involves large costs. We can do nothing without substantial support from the state. We would like Moldova’s Embassies to provide assistance in staging such exhibitions,” said Ghenadie Jalba. The lawmakers promised they will do everything possible to solve the enumerated problems. “We are aware of the situation in the area of culture. I hope we will find solutions to all the problems, but thy can be identified in concert,” said chairman of the parliamentary commission on culture, education, youth and sport Chiril Lucinschi. Deputy Speaker Liliana Palihovich told the artists that the state and the people of culture should get involved in the development of culture and in the process of rediscovering the national patrimony. “I want the results achieved in the area of culture not to be measured by the concerts held in the Great National Assembly Square that involve more foreign than national artists,” she stated. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is marked on May 21 in most of the European countries.