Moldova marks Day of Sovereignty

Chisinau, 23 June /MOLDPRES/ – It is celebrated the Day of Sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova today. The declaration of sovereignty was adopted 28 years ago by deputies of the Supreme Soviet (SS) of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova (RSSM) on 23 June 1990.

According to historians, the Declaration was adopted in a complex historical context, marked by a parade of sovereignty, a process that covered entire Soviet space. Estonia first declared its sovereignty in November 1988, followed by Lithuania in April 1989 and Latvia in July 1989. Meanwhile, Lithuania declared its independence on 11 March 1990. The declaration of sovereignty of RSSM was also preceded by that one of Georgia on 26 May 1990 and Russia on 12 June 1990.

The adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty was the first major victory of democratic forces in struggle for national rebirth and liberation. Thus, the Declaration of Sovereignty clearly stipulates that sovereignty of RSSM is the only and necessary condition of Moldova's statehood. It affirms supremacy of laws of RSSM on the union ones, establishes citizenship and provides sovereign right to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries of the world.

Also, the document stipulates unitary and indivisible character of the state. It is established that RSSM respects the status of UNO, expresses its adherence to principles of this organisation, declares a demilitarized area, actively promotes consolidation of peace and security, is directly involved in cooperation and security process as well as within European structures.

Similarly, it is noted that "the unconditional exclusive property of the RSSM" is declared "land, subsoil, waters, forests and other natural resources on territory of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the entire economic, financial, scientific and technical potential of the national patrimony".

Finally, Article 13 of the document stated that "this Statement serves as the basis for elaboration of new Constitution of RSSM, improvement of Republican legislation and position of RSSM for preparation and conclusion of the Union Treaty within the community of the sovereign states".

The Statement of Sovereignty was voted with one abstention.

On 23 June 1991, on the day of the first anniversary of proclamation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, first series of postage stamps bearing the attributes of statehood – the Emblem and the Flag, was put into circulation in Chisinau municipality.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor L. Alcaza)