PM Ponta hopes to see national aspiration of union with Moldova fulfilled peacefully

Prime Minister Victor Ponta voiced his hope for the union of Romania with the Republic of Moldova - not by force, but 'by mutual agreement,' he mentioned.

Speaking at newspaper Adevarul Live webcast, he asserted, 'The first step is Moldova staying on the course of this pro-European path; let's help them reach Romania's living standard, (...) make our institutions as compatible as possible (...) and I hope to see in my lifetime this national reunification aspiration fulfilled, not by force, but by mutual agreement.'

He pointed out that Moldova's short-term goal is to become a member of the European Union, while the reunification must remain a national objective.

'The realistic short-term objective (...) is Moldova becoming a EU member. Further, the reunification goal is a national one, for the Romanian nation. It definitely must stand, but it will never be accomplished by two politicians, or by ten of them. It will be fulfilled when in Moldova, too, not just in Romania, a clear majority of the people (...) will think this national aspiration is worth upholding. In Romania, I think any referendum would result in a huge majority for the union with Moldova. The data I have indicate that it wouldn't be the same in Moldova,' the prime minister explained.

He added he is 'moderate' in public declarations on the union, which 'only help the communists.' AGERPRES