Who in Chisinau is afraid of NATO?

A few days ago, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, in his first official visit was the newly Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Galbur, who until recently was the head of diplomatic mission of Republic of Moldova in the Russian Federation. Immediately after the visit of the Minister Galbur, in Brussels was held the meeting of the Defense Ministers of the member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance, and on this occasion, a group of journalists from various media from Republic of Moldova participated in a press tour. At all journalists meetings with NATO officials, directly or indirectly, has been reminded the recent visit of the diplomacy chief from Chisinau, remarking that it was an effective one, in which Moldova was assured, repeatedly, for all the support that can provide to NATO in implementing reforms, fighting corruption and strengthening the capacities of defense and security.

Different ranking officials reconfirmed that NATO and partner countries, will continue to provide assistance to strengthen a modern army, equipped to fit the armed forces of countries with advanced democracies. At NATO Headquarters is spoken less or not at all about the possible accession of Moldova to the North Atlantic Alliance, however, rather firmly, it is promoted the idea of fighting corruption, about whose existence, NATO officials admit, it is well known both in the European Parliament and other international structures. And to the Minister Galbur have been sent such messages. And, as the official representative of the Republic of Moldova was told that under a corrupt system, the security and defense capability of the state are endangered. Galbur heard or not these messages? How he perceived them, and above all, what he sent home to his colleagues from the government? How openly spoke about the importance of cooperation with NATO?

Moreover, in 2016, marks 25 years since the first participation of the Republic of Moldova to the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, held on December 20, 1991 in Brussels.

Shortly after that participation, exactly 22 years ago, the Republic of Moldova expressed interest for the first time to join the NATO mission “Partnership for Peace”.

In a few years (1997), it has been opened the Republic of Moldova Mission to NATO, and since 2002, Moldova is part of the security cooperation group in South-East Europe.

In 2008, in Chisinau, for the first time in an official visit was the general secretary, at the time, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. Over two years, in 2010, it seemed that things were progressing, since the Government approved the revised version of Republic of Moldova Individual Action Plan – NATO.

This is the summary of the main highlights of Moldova’s cooperation with NATO, recorded in a quarter century, since the declaration of independence onwards.

A quarter century seems enough time for a state that wants to be independent, democratic, a state for which peace and security are priority, to show enough initiative so as to benefit from the most efficient projects carried out by collaboration and with the support of North Atlantic Alliance, the empowered structure of world security and defense.

States which, like Republic of Moldova, became independent of the USSR with a quarter century ago, now having a special relationship with NATO, are involved in programs that guarantee their cybernetic security, defense capability and also the power resistance to corruption. Here, at NATO Headquarters, Georgia is a successful example between the former Soviet states. Because the Georgian authorities have asked consistently and strongly the support NATO in the realization of important projects of national security, today in this country, things are fairly advanced, and the support NATO, granted to Georgian army and the national security system of this country is one consistent and of perspective.

Although it is not spoken openly, at NATO, like in the EU, it is known the tactic of Republic of Moldova to float simultaneously in several boats. NATO has projects and support capabilities, especially in terms of risk coming towards the eastern border of the EU. NATO, however, is not involved, if the governments of the states do not request help. Why Chisinau is silent, in the conditions of the challenges and smoldering outbreaks of war around Republic of Moldova? What kind of games does (or will do) the new government in Chisinau?

Article elaborated and taken from Ziarul de Garda: