Andrey Safonov: The referendum in Gagauzia can be not the only!"

The referendum on which the major questions were discussed passed in Gagauzia. Understanding its importance, official Kishinev did everything possible that it didn’t take place.

The court recognized holding a referendum in Gagauzia illegal — it made impossible action financing from the local budget. But Gagauzia’s people after all spoke as necessary means for carrying out national vote were provided by one of businessmen — the native of Gagauzia Yury Yakubov.

Results of a referendum can’t be treated doubly — they are extremely clear.

Actually Gagauzia’s inhabitants chose between a course on the introduction in the Customs Union and a course on the entry into the European Union.

Concerning possibility of the withdrawal of an autonomy from structure of Moldova in that case if, the republic will lose independence, having united with Romania: 98, 1% supported it, and 1,9% were against. They showed big interest to a referendum in Gagauzia — the attendance made more than 70%.

At our request the results of a referendum were commented by the president of Association of independent political scientists of Transnistria Andrey Safonov:

— How do you estimate the referendum results in Gagauzia?

As it was expected, Gagauzia supported association of the people of the former Soviet Union, against a separation of the autonomy and all Moldova from the former Soviet Union. It is display of categorical disagreement of withdrawal of Moldova in EU and Romania which exposes itself as the self-appointed lawyer of Moldova in the European Union.

Now it is clear that Moldova is split as the opinion of Gagauz people is shared by the Bulgarians living in the Taraclia district and also many inhabitants of the North of Moldova. We will remind that the northern capital of Moldova is Beltsy city. After a referendum Gagauzia became the centre the important centre of gravity of anti-nationalist and pro-Russian forces of the country.

— What impact it can have on political life of Moldova?

- Formally it was the advisory referendum, however, obviously that this action encouraged all opponents of «withdrawal» of Moldova to the West.

It is clear, that the consolidation of everyone who sees the future of the Republic of Moldova in Customs Union and in future in Eurasian Union will be accelerated. On the other hand, the attacks of the right and frankly pro-Romanian forces which will try to exclude similar referenda in other regions of Moldova will amplify.

It is possible to foretell that the authorities of Moldova will think over also a question of reduction of the constitutional powers of the Gagauzia Autonomy and to try not to allow coordination of actions between Gagauzia, the Taraclia district (Bulgarians) and the North of Moldova. Generally, it would be logical that all opponents of the project of the European integration in Moldova would rely on precedent of democratic resistance to this project. Gagauzian referendum is a fine support in this case.

— What is the reaction of various political forces?

- All supporters of integration on the basis of the former USSR support this referendum because it interrupted a train of offensive political steps ruling in Moldova of «Coalition of the pro-European board». Naturally, opportunity to strengthen an impact on the operating westernized and pro-Romanian leadership of Moldova opens now.

From the management of the Republic of Moldova and political forces two arguments are suggested, urged to weaken the value of a referendum. The first. Allegedly it is not a referendum, but, «it is rather … social poll which can’t have any political influence». These words belong to the speaker of parliament of Moldova Igor Korman. The belittling of value of action is available.

The second. The foreign policy appears a prerogative only the top management of Moldova that defiantly deprives of ordinary citizens voters to define a course of movement of own Homeland. The conclusion is simple: the authorities are afraid very much that such or similar referenda will take place in other regions of the Republic of Moldova.

— Can the similar referendum be held in other regions of Moldova?

- Certainly. In Taraclia, at Bulgarians. They understand that in the conditions of Moldova the European integration will mean their assimilation and Romanization. Not without reason Romania, referring to the membership in EU and NATO, demands recognition the right for «special relations» with Moldova. The Romanian politicians thus declare that one allegedly «divided people — Romanian» lives in Romania and Moldova.

It is represented to me that association of efforts of Gagauz people and Bulgarians in the form of creation even the general autonomous education is possible now that would strengthen the value both of Gagauzia and the Taraclia district, located in the south of Moldova. The similar referendum in the north of Moldova is real where the Moldavian population is adjusted anti-Romanian in many respects.

In the north of Moldova many Ukrainians live who also oppose leaving in the western and Romanian space which is alien to the multinational people of Moldova. The next months will show, whether there are political leaders and the organizations in the country which will be able to adopt relay of referenda from Gagauzia.