Russia hails pro-Moscow candidate's victory in Moldova's Gagauzia
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia hails pro-Moscow candidate's victory in Moldova's Gagauzia, 24 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d9534.html [accessed 21 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. |
March 24, 2015
By RFE/RL
Moscow has hailed the victory of a pro-Russian politician in the regional leader's poll in Moldova's autonomous territory of Gagauzia.
In a statement on March 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the election of Irina Vlah as Gagauzia's bashkan, or governor, indicated that most Gagauzia residents support "further developing their traditionally close ties with the Russian Federation."
Gagauzia's Central Election Commission said Vlah won the March 22 election with 51 percent of the vote – just enough to avoid a runoff.
On March 23, Vlah told reporters in the regional capital, Comrat, that her priorities will include "strengthening regional ties with [regions] of the Russian Federation, constructive work with Moldova's central government, and the economic revival of Gagauzia."
Gagauzia, most of whose 160,000 people are Turkic-speaking Christians, enjoys economic autonomy but has Moldovan police, schools, and courts.
Last year, Gagauzia held a referendum in which voters overwhelmingly chose closer ties with Russia and opposition to Moldova-EU integration.
Vlah, who was a lawmaker in Moldova's parliament, automatically becomes a member of the government.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
