President Igor Dodon considers it is important for the laws on Gagauzia to be adopted in the version proposed by the working group that consists of representatives of Moldova’s Parliament, the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia and civil society. He reiterated his support for the law on the special ethnic-cultural status of Taraclia district that was passed by Parliament in the first reading in 2016. The issues were discussed in the meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier, who is in Chisinau on a visit, IPN reports, with reference to the presidential press service.

In the meeting, President Dodon said he appreciates the cooperation and commitment of the High Commissioner to promoting the interethnic dialogue in the OSCE area. “The interethnic cohesion is an indispensable condition of sociopolitical stability. In this regard, it is important to avoid any division based on ethnic criteria,” he stated.

Igor Dodon noted that the keeping of the cultural, linguistic and religious identity of the national minorities, facilitation of intercultural dialogue and consolidation of civic affiliation of the national minorities to the Republic of Moldova are only some of the objectives that should be promoted. Efforts are being made to develop Gagauzia socioeconomically, especially by attracting foreign investment to the region and promoting bilingual education there.

Igor Dodon also said that he makes concerted effort to contribute to the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict settlement process and building of confidence between the inhabitants of the two banks of the Nistru. He thanked OSCE for the assistance provided in this respect.