Chisinau, February 7 (Infotag). The Liberal Party (LP) of Moldova has addressed the European Union begging it to make an exception and introduce no visa regime between this republic and Romania from January 1, 2007 when Romania will become a full-fledged member of the European Union.

Party chairman Mihai Ghimpu told a news conference in Infotag today that the visas will be “a new fence between the fraternal people of Moldova and Romania”.

“The Moldovan leadership has done all in its powers to keep Moldova outside NATO and the European Union. Slack reforms and slow introduction of European standards in what regards the passport system, customs and border-guard services, preserving of visas for the nationals of the U.S.A. and European Union member states – these and other measures do not only deprive us of the right of free movement in the European area but also separate us from Romania.

In his opinion, the visa regime introduction for Moldovan citizens entering Romania will only help Russia to more actively conduct its policy aimed at federalization of Moldova and at legalization of the Russian military base in Transnistria i.e. next to the NATO and the European Union.

“We demand from the Moldovan leadership to fulfill the EU-Moldova Action Plan, harmonize with European standards the existing Moldovan passport system, customs and border-guard services, to cancel for U.S. and EU citizens entry visas and the mandatory registration with the Ministry of the Interior. We believe that these measures, as well as Moldova’s accession to the European information system, will help the European Union to agree in favor of a free movement of people between the Republic of Moldova and Romania”, said the party leader.

LP Deputy Chairman Dorin Chirtoaca said the European Union should take into consideration the new circumstances that have emerged recently between Moldova and Russia.

Chirtoaca said, “President Putin has stated recently he is not going to give up his interests in Moldova. This is a proof that the Russian expansionism is heading to this republic. If the Romanian border is closed to our citizens, they will be getting increasingly oriented to Moscow. This will lead to the fulfillment of Russia’s wish – Moldova’s turning towards the East”.