DODON STATES THAT MOLDOVA MAY RECEIVE 6.5-7 BILLION LEI IN ASSISTANCE BEFORE END OF 2020

Before the end of the current year, Moldova may receive 6.5-7 billion lei equivalent as financial assistance from Russia, the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, President Igor Dodon stated on the Prime television on Wednesday night.

“Negotiations with Russia are under way. Our Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance Sergiu Puscuta says that a round of the talks was held this week. And the next week will bring a final round. I believe a loan agreement with Moscow will be signed at the end of September or in early October”, said the President, who is convinced that the agreement will be ratified by the Moldovan Parliament all right.

Igor Dodon also believes that before the end of the year, 50 million euros should come here from the EU-promised financial assistance of 100 million euros.

“There is a decision taken by the European Union to provide us 100 million euros as assistance to overcome pandemic consequences within the Omnibus Program framework. Of that sum, 50 million should come in 2020 without whatever pre-conditions”, said Igor Dodon.

The President remarked, however, that he is not fully confident about the coming of this assistance “because the European Union often changes its position”.

“We deeply respect the European Union and are grateful for its help. But sometimes they unexpectedly put forward additional conditions. As a rule, these are political conditions that are hard to assess. They may say, for instance, that the judiciary reform is advancing slackly, and that’s all… In this regard, things are easier with the IMF: they say clearly what we have to do and what laws we have to pass”, said Igor Dodon.

The President voiced confidence that Moldova will manage to sign a new cooperation program with the International Monetary Fund.

“Being a responsible power and responsible partners, we have fulfilled all of the conditions agreed on with the IMF. And laws have been passed, too. Now the ball is in the Fund’s field. So, with an account of all this, before the end of this year Moldova should receive extra 6.5-7 billion lei [about 350 million euros]. In such case we will certainly be able to take extra measures to help citizens and economic operators who have suffered from the drought and coronavirus pandemic”, said President Dodon.