Gagauzia is celebrating today its 26th anniversary since it proclaimed autonomy. On this occasion, the capital Comrat has hosted official manifestations attended by Governor Irina Vlah, ambassadors and politicians.
Irina Vlah stated that the day of August 19 symbolizes the Gagauz people's aspiration to be united. “Today as 26 years ago, the Gagauz people has the mission to be a guarantor of Moldova's statehood, sovereignty and neutrality”.
Attending the event, Socialist group leader Zinaida Greceanii stated that “the Gagauz have the full and legitimate right to live on their native land, this being a great accomplishment for any people. In many ways, this region is an example for our entire country and, first of all, an example of popular memory, unity and pride”.
By a 2000 decision of the Gagauz parliament, August 19 has been declared an official holiday for the autonomy.
On 19 August 1990, representatives of the Gagauz people assembled into a Congress to declare “liberty and independence from the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldavia”, thereby proclaiming the creation of a “Gagauz Republic” as part of the Soviet Union. Clashes ensued, including violent ones, between the forces of the unrecognized republic and the Moldovan law-enforcement. It was not until December 1994 that the Moldovan Parliament granted autonomy and privileges to the region, making possible its return into the constitutional space of Moldova.
