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FILAT: “OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY”
(Interview of Leader of Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat to Infotag political observer Igor Volnitchi)
”I”: Mister Filat, what will the priorities of the ruling coalition Alliance for European Integration, formed by the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, the Liberal Party of Moldova, the Democratic Party of Moldova (DPM), and the Moldova Noastra Alliance?
V. F.: We unveiled them, when we formed the Alliance for European Integration. They are the creation of a law-abiding state and efficient market economy that signifies the urgent demonopolization and establishment of general and special principles and rules for business; competent external policy in the interests of all the Moldovan citizens; restoration of the country’s integrity. Taking into consideration eight years of the authoritative rule, we have a good deal of work outstanding in this field.
”I”: Many consider that you shall begin a campaign of reprisals against the Communists immediately as you are installed in power.
V. F.: Such opinion is the result of the campaign, which the Communists conduct constantly during a long time. However, we want to create a law-abiding state, where the Law dominates, but the Law does not allow such actions. I would like to underscore an enormous difference in our approach to the country’s governance in contrast to the Communists and Vladimir Voronin personally. Concerning this matter, we have a clear principle: we do not put the goal of getting square or introducing a vendetta in Moldova. Our objective is to govern the country in the interests of Moldovan citizens through the intermediary of state employees, who observe the Law, but not follow somebody’s instructions or pursue personal interests.
”I”: They say that Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin is ready to quit politics in exchange for his immunity to be granted to him by the new power. Are you ready for this?
V. F.: These are speculations. The time to discuss this matter has not come yet. There is no doubt that such discussion can arouse, including with Voronin. The aspects, what he sees or what he desired to see as aftereffects of his actions will be in the forefront of such disputes. Our objective is to convince Vladimir Voronin in ensuring the legal and peaceful transfer of power.
If respective decisions are necessary for ensuring certain guarantees for him, but not immunity, it can happen in the future and I am sure that there will be guarantor-sides, for example, the European Union, for this purpose.
However, it must be absolutely clear to everybody: those, who committed violations against the legislation, will be answerable before the Law, but not before officials.
”I”: During the period of the Communist governance the influence spheres in the business were redistributed. Many are afraid of a new redistribution. Is it possible?
V. F.: There will be no redistribution, but those, who captured someone’s business, will have to make up losses. A wrong will be righted, but no redistribution. But all these actions will proceed in a lawful succession. We also know many cases, when Moldovan citizens lost their business, as officials, who were close to the rulers, desired so and these officials used all the power leverage, in particular, repressive organs, for their purposes. That is why, this process must be transparent, as far, as it is possible. It is very important to demonopolize businesses in Moldova, to revive economic activities by means of granting adequate conditions for the development of small and middle business.
It is very important that instead of several oligarchs, who are in favor with the authorities, hundreds of business people develop their enterprises to facilitate the improvement of the economic and social situation in the country.
”I”: By the way, as for the economic situation, are you not afraid to undertake power during the crisis?
V. F.: Fear has never been characteristic neither of me, nor of the party, I represent. When we entered the election campaign, we were well aware of the economic situation in contrast to many others. The economic situation is really critical, but not hopeless. You can overcome problems, caused by the hard economic situation by means of participation, knowledge and openness with taking into consideration support to be expected from our sincere partners, who have already expressed their readiness to help us.
”I”: I heard that they have already given certain guarantees?
V. F.: They have not given any guarantees, we must give guarantees ourselves and it means that we shall have to act in accordance with undertaken commitments.
”I”: How is the situation with the credits, promised by Russia and China? It is said that they were designed for the Communists and they may be suspended now?
V. F.: I do not think that they were designed for the Communists. These credits are for Moldova. As for Russia’s credit, we should study its terms, as until the present everything is shrouded in mystery. If the terms are acceptable, we shall take care that these resources would reach Moldova.
As for China, it seems to me premature to designate promises as a credit. This is rather a letter of intent. It happened to me to hear many discussions about this probable possibility, but we shall see. There were other similar projects before the elections. For example, before the elections of 2005 there were discussions about the Prospera Habitat project, which dealt with the housing construction in the airport zone. In the final end, it was cleared out that the project was used only for acquiring land plots, but the agreement, signed with the Government, was not fulfilled.
As for the Chinese credit, we must carry out an expert examination and, if it clears up that these are real money in Moldova’s interests, it is another possibility.
”I”: What will be the external policy of the new authorities, what will be the priorities of the new policy?
V. F.: Our national priority is European integration and it will have not only a content, but also an application part. We know exactly about the upcoming execution of certain terms, which envisage also unpopular actions. It can happen that they will have a negative effect at the first stage, but it is necessary for ensuring prospects and results. Besides, we build up strategic partnership relations with the USD and Russia and good-neighborly relations with Ukraine and Romania.
The external policy will reach the qualitative level, as we shall attract professional, genuine diplomats, but not people, who have nothing to do with this field and spoil the country’s image. We shall have to use the openness, which exists in the East and the West in regard of the Moldovan population, in order to achieve the maximal benefit for the country.
