The demonstration led by former Moldovan President and Communist party leader Vladimir Voronin in the capital Chisinau on Saturday.
The protesters shouted slogans against their government as well as the European Union (EU). They said they neither want close ties with the European block nor possible EU integration. They also called on the government to foster closer ties with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Some of the demonstrators carried historical symbols of Moldova, Russia and the CIS bloc, denouncing an integration deal with the EU, which is scheduled to be discussed at a summit in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, next week.
“They do not ask anyone, they ignore parliament and public opinion and they are intending to sign a secret document at Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania),” Voronin said, accusing the pro-European government of telling lies to the people.
He added that Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan could help Moldova by providing the country with cheaper energy as part of the Customs Unions agreement, which is an economic alliance between the three countries.
“Moldova can become a European country, only if it joined the Customs Union, which gives people a lot of opportunities for full development of the country,” Voronin stated.
Moldovan protests followed Ukraine’s decision to halt its preparation plan for joining the EU. The association deal between Kiev and Brussels was also planned to be signed in Vilnius.
Kiev’s decision was based on weighing dubious financial benefits from the EU integration and its probable negative effects. It was warmly welcomed by Russia and strongly criticized by the EU.
MSM/NN/AS
Source Article from http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/11/24/336335/moldovans-say-no-to-eu-integration/
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