Moldovan president hails Soviet past
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 February 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Moldovan president hails Soviet past, 2 February 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49904c602d.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 02, 2009
Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin (right) with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
CHISINAU – In a speech devoted to the 650th anniversary of the first Moldovan state, President Vladimir Voronin glorified the country's Soviet history and lashed out at pro-Romanian Moldovans, saying they refuse to "grow up."
It wasn't until the country joined the Soviet Union in 1940 that Moldova evolved from a "rural province" of Romania into a modern state with a vibrant culture and economy, he said.
Moldova was part of Romania until it was annexed by the Soviets through the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact.
Moldova was established as an independent country after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Three broadly pro-Romanian political parties will run in April's general elections, but they are unlikely to beat Voronin's pro-Russian Communists, who lead in the polls.
