MOLDOVA:Moldova has a "historic chance" to break from its Soviet past and integrate fully into Europe, the country's deputy prime minister said in Dublin yesterday.
Speaking after meeting Minister of State for Irish Aid Conor Lenihan, Zenaida Grecianii said she was pleased by Irish support for Moldova's EU aspirations, which are to be strengthened when it officially becomes a "neighbour" of the bloc on January 1st.
At a time of internal unease over Turkey's proposed membership and uncertainty over future enlargement, it was important that Moldova, one of Europe's least developed countries, was given a signal that it could one day accede to the EU, she said.
"Moldova has clearly announced its EU integration course, and does not intend to reverse it . . . but we do not want to become members of the European Union at any cost," Ms Grecianii said.
"The population in Moldova needs to know that this will happen; it needs to know what exactly has to be done to be part of the European Union, because if some barriers are set in place then there's going to be discouragement." She also cautioned EU member states against treating Moldova as part of a "single package" including regional neighbours such as Belarus and Ukraine.
To coincide with Ms Grecianii's visit, Mr Lenihan announced further support of €500,000 to assist the work of Irish NGO Outreach Moldova in Moldovan orphanages.
This was "in line with Irish Aid's strategy of the deinstitutionalisation of orphanages and support for the most marginalised people in society," Mr Lenihan said.
Generous Irish support could be augmented by further practical assistance, Ms Grecianii said, and there was a "good understanding" between both governments "that expansion will occur".
"It can take different forms. Sometimes the provision of assistance by means of having an exchange of experiences is far better than any funds.
"Undoubtedly, we would want Ireland to provide resources it currently provides to other countries, but that's a decision that belongs to the Irish government."
