Drink and forget about human rights

Moldova has a “special view” on relations with Belarus, the country's speaker of the parliament admits.

Igor Corman, the speaker of the Moldavian parliament, spoke to a charter97.org correspondent about the Eastern Partnership Summit in November and expressed his view on participation of Belarus, an EaP problem partner, to which the international community and the EU in particular have much questions regarding human rights violations. He admitted that the issue of Belarus was difficult, but Moldova has a special view on relations with Belarus because the country bought more Moldovan wines than all EU countries.

Belarus is a problem member of the Eastern Partnership programme. What is your opinion on the level of Belarus's involvement in the EU's initiative? Don't you think that the level of participation in the programme must depend on the human rights situation in a particular country?

The issue of Belarus is difficult. Of course, we understand the questions the EU has regarding human rights and Belarus's political system. But Moldova has had, has and will continue to have very good relations with Belarus. I headed a delegation of the Moldovan parliament to the Euronest PA. The launch of this parliamentary assembly was delayed due to Belarus. I has always adhered to a position that it must be with us. There are some questions, but it's better that Belarus be with us, so we could discuss the situations of Moldova and Belarus. The formula of isolating it [Belarus] is not the best option, I think.

Do you mean the situation of human rights must not influence the level of participation?

It cannot but influence, but we'd better try to solve the problems rather than isolate the country that doesn't fit these standards. Don't forget that other EaP members have problems, but attention is focused entirely on Belarus.

We have a special view on relations with Belarus. We value the relations we have. I don't hide our economic and trade interests. The Belarusian market is important for us. Belarus buys Moldovan wines more than all EU countries. We say straightly to our European partners that we have this interest. We try to adhere to European resolutions and decisions, but we think it's better to have Belarus involved in process rather than excluded.