Moldova marks Sovereignty Day

Chisinau, 23 June /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova’s Sovereignty Day is marked on 23 June. The Sovereignty Declaration was adopted by the MPs of the Supreme Soviet (parliament) of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic (RSSM) 29 years ago, on 23 June 1990.

According to historians, the declaration was passed in a complex historical context, marked by a parade of sovereignties – a process which took place in the entire Soviet space. Estonia was the first to declare its sovereignty in 1988, followed by Lithuania in April 1989 and Latvia in July 1989. Meanwhile, Lithuania declared its state independence on 11 March 1990. The Sovereignty Declaration of RSSM was preceded by the one of Georgia on 26 May 1990 and Russia on 12 June 1990.   

The adoption of the Sovereignty Declaration was the first important victory of the democratic forces in the fight for national revival and liberation. Thus, the Sovereignty Declaration clearly stipulates that the sovereignty of the Soviet Socialist Republic Moldova (RSS Moldova) is the only and necessary condition for the existence of Moldova’s statehood. The Declaration affirms the supremacy of the laws of RSS Moldova over the ones of the Soviet Union; establishes the citizenship and sees the sovereign right to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries of the world.   

At the same time, the document provides for the unitary and indivisible character of the state. The Declaration establishes that RSS Moldova observes the status of the United Nations Organization and expresses adhesion to the principles of this organization, declares itself a demilitarized zone, actively promotes the consolidation of peace and security, is directly involved in the process of cooperation and security, as well as in the European structures.

At the same time, the Declaration highlights that ‘’the soil, subsoil, waters, woods and other natural resources on the territory of RSS Moldova, as well as the entire economic, financial, technical and scientific potential, values of the national heritage’’ are declared ‘’exclusive unconditional property of  RSS Moldova.’’  

In the end, the Article 13 of the document was stipulating that ‘’the present Declaration serves as basis  for the working out of the new Constitution of RSS Moldova, improvement of the republican legislation and as position of RSS Moldova for the preparation and conclusion of the union Treaty within the commonwealth of sovereign states.’’    

The Sovereignty Declaration was voted with a single abstention.