Chisinau, September 21 (Infotag). The Moldovan Historians Association is strongly against the introduction of the Integrated History course into pre-university education in the Republic of Moldova.

Association Chairman stated at a news conference in Infotag today that the new school discipline is in contravention with the Moldova Independence Declaration of 1991, violates children’s right to authentic information, and is at odds with pedagogical norms.

“For instance, the history textbook for the 9th grade contains portraits of Soviet Union leaders, their biographies and achievements, but does not contain a mention about how many people suffered and perished during their ‘reforms’. The New History course says that the Moldovans and Romanians are different nations having different culture and languages”, Petrenco said.

He is convinced that the Integrated History discipline is aimed at propaganda of the Soviet policy and misinformation of the young generation in Moldova: “The new History justifies the Soviet leaders’ actions, which is inadmissible. To our mind, it would be reasonable to rehabilitate the old approach, according to which school and lyceum pupils used to study 2 courses – General History and the History of the Romanians”.

In his words, teachers and students at some educational institutions are already speaking against the New History, but upper instances put pressure on them. The Association addressed Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Victor Tvircun, and even sent an official letter to President Vladimir Voronin, but received no answer. So, if the new history course is not cancelled by this October 1, the historians will organize a protect action, Petrenco stated.