BESSARABIAN KNOT

Tendencies of unification with Romania keep gaining popularity in Moldova. For more than two decades after the country has left the USSR such opinions were rather uncommon, but now, having being combining with tangible political stepes, they gain more and more popular simphaties.  

So far, the accession adherents continue accumulating political capital. Almost half a dozen of Moldovan villages have already carried out an action of symbolic accession to Romania. The relevant declarations were approved by the local councils on the occasion of the centenary of the entry of Bessarabia into the  Romanian state, which was celebrated on March 27. The initiatives of Moldovan unionists have been widely promoted by official Bucharest. On the occasion of the anniversary date in the Romanian capital, celebrations took place, during which a special session of the Parliament took place with the participation of the Moldovan delegation. 

Are there sufficient grounds for Moldova's entry into Romania and does this association meet the Ukrainian interests?

Romanians and Moldovans in ethnic terms are practically one people. The isolation of the Moldovan language is based rather on political than actual linguistic circumstances. Splitted ways of development state traditions and cultural influences don't interrupt an ethnic community ties. So, there are enough natural grounds for the attraction of the inhabitants of Moldova to unite with Romania. Another thing is that this tendencies have encountered a number of obstacles. Those Moldovan politicians and ordinary citizens who are the main opponents of the union with Romania, at the same time, show a strong pro-Moscow mood. To launch the unification process the unionists they must gain a tangible advantage over those part of the country that is tending to remain in the Moscow influence zone. Another challenge is the minority of the Gagauzites: in case of the accession, autonomous territorial formation Gagauzia may separate. To launch the unification process the unionists they must gain a tangible advantage over those part of the country that is tending to remain in the Moscow influence zone. Another challenge is the minority of the Gagauzites: the unification may trigger separatist modes in the Gagauzia autonomous territorial formation. There is ample reason to believe that in the event of the consolidation of the unification process, Russia will try to destabilize the situation in the country as much as possible through Gagauz and other minorities.

With regard to Ukrainian interests, it should be remembered that the strengthening of a neighboring state almost always bears a certain risk. Some fear that Moldova's accession will strengthen Romanian ambitions. It is unlikely that this tightening can turn into any real territorial claims against Ukraine. However, there is a possibility that Romania does increase lobby of interests of its minority in Ukraine in case of success with Moldova. On the other hand, it is very beneficial for Ukraine to prevent Moldova from being an arena for implementing Russian influence. The most positive scenario for our country would be if the direct unification process start when Ukraine will overcome the crysis and renew its subjectivness. It would be beneficial for all siides if will Ukraine play an arbiter role in this process. 

In this case, the both sides could manage to eliminate a black hole named the Transnistria. It's difficult to predict how such changes will affect the Hungary-Romania relations, which remain tense. The best option is when Ukraine, Hungary and Romania, on a parity basis, will normalize their attitude towards national minorities. After all, the elimination of Russian influence does will help achieve a high level of stability in the region. One way or another, the chances of joining Moldova to Romania are increasing. Like the overall dynamics of political change in the region and in Europe as a whole. Ukraine must work to become the creator of tomorrow.

by Petro KLYMCHUCK