Germany will not let Moldova be part of any sphere of influence, APE

Germany will not accept a sphere of influence in this region, and will not agree on Moldova being part of any sphere of influence, stated Victor Chirila, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association (APE), referring to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s speech given at Chisinau, reports Info-Prim Neo. “I think it is a message related to a sad event in our history, that infamous treaty – the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, signed 73 years ago, that split Europe into influence spheres between totalitarian Russia and totalitarian Germany. The presence of Mrs. Merkel one day before this commemoration is a signal that Germany is at Moldova’s side in its attempt to return to Europe as part of the European Union. We are glad that Mrs. Merkel mentioned that Moldova has European prospects offered by the Eastern Partnership”, mentioned Victor Chirila during the APE Press Club meeting. The APE director added that Angela Merkel’s message was balanced, realistic, pragmatic, concise, and to the point, recognizing the progress made by Moldova within the Eastern Partnership. “Without doubt the main message is that German won’t leave us alone; it is at Moldova’s side as long as Moldova is willing to reform”, remarked Victor Chirila. In the expert’s opinion, the visit of the German Chancellor is important not only for the political class, but for the entire country, regarding of political options, since tight and strategic relations with Germany is the benefit of Moldova in affirming itself as an independent, sovereign, democratic state with a modern economy. “The visit is an incontestable success for the authorities; it is the result of the efforts put in by the AIE. Such a visit wouldn’t have been possible without progress”, mentioned Victor Chirila. The APE director considers that it was the beginning of the strengthening and deepening of a real strategic partnership with Germany. This country supported Moldova politically, economically, socially, and financially. Victor Chirila added that the meeting with Parliamentary Parties was also important. “I am glad that Mr. Voronin (PCRM leader) did not overlook such a visit. I think all Parties should have a civilized dialogue among them, especially regarding objectives of major interest”, mentioned the expert. Radu Vrabie, program director at APE, stated at the same meeting that Angela Merkel kept a diplomatic note throughout her speech, the message being an encouraging one. “However, mentioning some of the progresses that Moldova has achieved, Merkel pointed for the authorities the direction they should aim for, what is to be done, implying that issues still exist and there is work to be done. From the message we should interpret what those unresolved issued are, and move towards the standards Moldova referred to and must reach”, mentioned Radu Vrabie. The APE Press Club is a project realized with the assistance of the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation.