According to Ukrinform, NewsMaker reports this NewsMaker
The vice speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Doina Herman, stated that in the new session the country’s highest legislative body will not form friendship groups with Russia and Belarus.
“We are convinced of the necessity to establish friendship groups with states that respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of other countries, as well as human dignity and freedom.”
– Doina Herman
Context and the Deputy’s Position
There are currently friendship groups with the national parliaments of 54 countries, but there will be no such associations with Russia and Belarus.
According to Herman, the decision was adopted by the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy in connection with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
“Moldova is a peace-loving country; we have many good friends. Through friendship groups we strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust between peoples.”
– Doina Herman
An expert named the key risks for Moldova stemming from the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
On the eve of November 5, the head of the pro-Russian faction of the Socialist Party, Igor Dodon, criticized the exclusion of Russia and Belarus from the list of countries for which friendship groups are being formed in Parliament.
It is also reported that the Moldovan government at its meeting on November 5 approved the initiative to close the Center for Russian Culture in Chișinău, known as the “Russian House.”
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