Moldovan premier says Gagauz autonomy needs government’s full attention

Chisinau, 4 March /MOLDPRES/-The Moldovan cabinet held a special meeting with the representatives of the executive committee and the Popular Assembly of the Gagauz territorial autonomy (Gagauzia), in Avdarma village, Gagauzia, today, the government’s communication and press relations department has reported.

Filip said such a meeting was necessary, adding that the Moldovan government was determined to take concrete measures to settle the problems Gagauz residents are currently facing.

“We want to come up with a pragmatic approach and concrete solutions for the current problems. We aim to modernize Gagauz villages and towns. To this effect, we will consolidate communication and the exchange of views with Gagauz authorities. We have a unique message for you- the Gagauz autonomy should enjoy the full attention of the Moldovan government and central authorities,” Filip said.

The participants in the meeting tackled Gagauzia’s social-economic situation, suggesting some measures to alleviate the problems the region is facing. Gagauz governor (Bashkan) Irina Vlah made a thorough presentation of this subject, touching upon priority aspects in need of a complex approach and active involvement of the government.

During the meeting, the officials decided to transfer a first installment of 15 million lei for the restoration of the approximately six-kilometer road-segment leading towards Avdarma village. Financial resources will be allotted by the Road Fund and Regional Development Fund.

The executive body also examined ways to find financial resources needed to continue restoration works of Comrat municipality’s Culture House.  

The sides have also decided to transfer the AT-Prolin state enterprise from the Moldovan state’s public property into the property of Gagauzia. Vlad thanked the government for such a decision, noting that the company is specialized on growing thoroughbred horses and will thus become an attraction for tourists visiting the region.

The prime minister noted that the decisions approved were a sign of the Moldovan government’s support for Gagauzia. In this context, the officials have also decided to create a working group made of representatives of central public authorities and representatives of Gagauz authorities, in charge of submitting proposals to improve the social-economic situation in Gagauz autonomy.  

“The creation of profile groups made of ministers and Gagauz representatives, will allow us to carry out a synthesis of the local problems in the first phase, and then work out a list of priorities to be solved by all of us, in the second phase,” Filip noted.

For her part, Vlah praised the government’s efforts to convene a meeting in Gagauzia, noting the increased attention central authorities pay to Gagauzia and their firm efforts to take concrete measures to ensure the region’s social-economic development.

Also today, the prime minister and other officials attending the cabinet meeting in Avdarma, laid flowers to the memorial complex in the village, visited an exhibition of local products at the local business center, as well as the village museum.

(Editor M. Jantovan)