Monday, December 11, 2006

Former Culture Minister stirs Romanian-Moldovan diplomacy scandal


Romania and Moldova mutually interrogate ambassadors

Diplomatic relations between Romania and Moldova suddenly got tensed after an interview with Romanian actor, theater manager and former Culture Minister was published by a local newspaper.

Kishinev authorities demanded an “explanation meeting” with the Romanian ambassador, Filip Teodorescu. After less than a day, the Romanian Foreign Ministry summoned the Moldovan ambassador to explain Moldova’s attitude.

The entire fuss started after Caramitru said that “sooner or later, Moldova would return to its mother-land”. After the authorities’ reaction, Romanian officials explained that any statement made by Caramitru could not be interpreted as official positions of the Romanian government. Accent fell on the freedom of expression as fundamental condition for a lawful state.

The Romanian ambassador was questioned on the “defying attitude Caramitru had during his recent visit to Kishinev”, where he presented a play dedicated to Romania’s National Day.

The renowned actor declared for "Jurnal de Chisinau", in its November 23rd edition, that “historically speaking, Moldova was always part of Romania and sooner or later it would return to its mother-land”.

Caramitru, who also served as Culture Minister between 1996 and 2000, also expressed his concern with the fact that the Moldovan populace massively voted for the Communist Party during the last elections.

“We return to the Moldovan language, to the old habits. It’s a symptom the way the Communist Party lost the elections in all former Soviet republics, except for Moldova. Let’s hope it’s the last roar of the bear, which is an endangered species”, said Caramitru in the interview.

Recently, the Moldovan president, Vladimir Voronin, accused Romania of interfering with the interior affairs of the Moldovan Republic and argued that “Moldova is able to gain its European accession, its welfare and democracy without any border-friends”.

HotNews.ro, Dec 6, 2006

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