INTERVIEW/Ambassador Victor Chirila: Total, ruthless hybrid war against Republic of Moldova, launched by Russian Federation

Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Bucharest Victor Chirila told AGERPRES National News Agency in an interview that there is 'a total, ruthless hybrid war' launched by the Russian Federation against his country, using 'all levers' and several institutions that should not be involved in such actions.'Yes, this is a total war against the Republic of Moldova, launched by the Russian Federation, a total, ruthless hybrid war, using all levers, involving several institutions that should not take part in such actions, institutions that should work in the interest of the Republic of Moldova. I'm referring also to the Church, a part of the Church, not the whole Church, the Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, I must mention this, and certain political parties, which I won't name here, but people know who they are, and private individuals involved in such actions. We are also seeing an intertwining of some political parties with criminal circles, things that have already been established and documented by our authorities, who are investigating these links,' the diplomat said.In the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, the ambassador emphasised that this vote is a decisive one for his country's European path.In Romania, Moldovan citizens will have access to 23 polling stations, a record number, with a first in Bucharest: a polling station set up at the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant. The ambassador estimates that approximately 30,000 of his compatriots will turn out to vote in the election in Romania.AGERPRES: Mr Ambassador, on 28 September parliamentary elections will take place in the Republic of Moldova. Can you tell us a bit about the network of polling stations here in Romania: how many stations will there be, and what is your estimate, based on last year's elections, of how many people you expect to vote in Romania?Victor Chirila: Indeed, 28 September is a very important day for the Republic of Moldova. We are deciding our future for decades to come. We will decide whether we continue on the path toward the European Union, to integrate more closely with Romania and to find ourselves together with Romania in the EU - a goal that could be achieved in the next four to five years. I sincerely hope that citizens will make the right choice, and I invite everyone, regardless of their views, to participate in the parliamentary elections on 28 September. First and foremost, I am addressing the citizens of the Republic of Moldova who are permanently or temporarily living in Romania: go out and express your will regarding the future of our country.In Romania, we will open the largest number of polling stations since democratic elections began in the Republic of Moldova. This year we will have 23 polling stations in 14 Romanian cities. In Bucharest, we will have five polling stations; in Iasi, there will be three; and we will also have two polling stations each in Cluj, Brasov and Timisoara. In the remaining cities, for example, Oradea, Baia Mare, Sibiu, Craiova, Targu Mures, Suceava, Galati, Constanta, Bacau, there will be one polling station each. All the stations are important; the electoral offices have already been established. Currently, all polling station members will undergo training courses organised by the Central Electoral Commission. I would like to mention that Moldovan citizens living abroad will be able to vote using their identity card, which must be valid, as well as using their Moldovan passport. It's important that the passport is valid, but voting will also be allowed with expired passports, provided there haven't been major changes in civil status, for example, a surname change following marriage. So this is something to keep in mind. In Bucharest, we look forward to welcoming you at five polling stations, as I mentioned.Here at the Embassy, one station will be opened. The Consulate, not far from here, on Ermil Pangrati Street, will host the second polling station. In the Old Town, we will have two more polling stations, just like in the autumn of last year: one at Carada (Eugeniu Carada Street - editor's note), in the Permanent Electoral Authority's building, and another at Stavropoleos 6. The fifth polling station will be opened for the first time - we have a very good friendship and partnership with the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant - in a spacious hall in the museum's courtyard. Voters will even be able to relax a bit while they wait. We are confident the wait will not be long, because we have ensured that everything runs efficiently and as quickly as possible to process the voters.AGERPRES: Do you have a profile of the Moldovan citizen in the diaspora? Because, as we have seen even in the Romanian presidential election, they were very active. How active are Moldovan citizens abroad?Victor Chirila: They are very active. This is the most active part of our society, a segment that, I must say, maintains strong ties with the Republic of Moldova. Most of them are abroad temporarily, and spend a good portion of their time back home. Even if they have left, they have relatives, children, siblings they care about and keep in touch with. Our diaspora is very pro-European; they understand what freedom means, the importance of democracy for personal fulfilment, they understand the value of dignity, and this gives us hope that this time, too, our diaspora will rise to the occasion and participate actively in these extremely important parliamentary elections.I also believe that the diaspora contains the most educated segment of our society. Unfortunately, many of them have found their future abroad. This is true in Romania as well. In fact, the intellectual segment of our society has largely settled in Romania, and they too understand the stakes of this election. They are well-informed not only about what's happening in Moldova and Romania but also in the region and the world, and I hope they will once again demonstrate strong civic activism.In the previous elections, the referendum and the presidential elections in the autumn of last year, nearly 31,000 citizens participated. This was a record turnout for Romania. From 19,000, we grew to 31,000 in just four years. I hope that again this time we will have at least 30,000 participants and, once more, I hope that through your platform and the Romanian media in general, we will reach as many Moldovan citizens in Romania as possible, to convince them to go out and vote. I repeat: regardless of your views, go out and vote. And until election day, you still have the time to talk with friends back home, in Romania, in the wider diaspora, and make the right choice.AGERPRES: During last year's elections, the referendum and the presidential elections, the Republic of Moldova clearly showed, and your Foreign Minister reiterated this recently, that hybrid attacks were being launched against Moldova. Yesterday (on Tuesday, editor's note), the Romanian Prosecutor General also spoke very clearly about Russian interference in the Romanian presidential elections. President Nicusor Dan spoke about what's known as social engineering and micro-targeting voters to fracture society and influence votes. What kinds of phenomena have you seen in the Republic of Moldova?Victor Chirila: The exact same phenomenon. In fact, we were the first to be subjected to this ruthless hybrid attack, followed by Romania during its presidential elections. This time, the attack is even more intense than ever before. And now, the attack is directed not only at citizens living in the Republic of Moldova but also those in the diaspora. They are trying to divide the diaspora, to plant distrust in institutions, in the Republic of Moldova, in our European integration policy, in the values of the European Union. Moreover, there are attempts to buy votes, including in the diaspora, and we already have concrete signs, including from Romania, France and Germany, that such attempts are being made. Just yesterday, a news story circulated in both the Romanian and Moldovan media - a group of 13 Moldovan citizens came to Iasi and opened a call centre to contact Moldovan voters and persuade them to vote for a certain party. Such activities are illegal in the Republic of Moldova, and I believe those responsible will be held accountable.We have posted on the Embassy's Facebook page, and on my personal page, contact numbers provided by the CNA - the agency that fights economic crimes - where citizens can call and report such corruption attempts. We urge citizens not to hesitate, report it. Together, we can help ensure the integrity of our vote. On 28 September, we need not only open and fair elections, but also honest ones. The results must reflect the true will of the people, and we must stop all forms of interference. We know where the interference comes from, the Russian Federation, which is funnelling enormous amounts into the Republic of Moldova through various channels. We are talking about hundreds of millions of euros, up to 300 million, channelled through cryptocurrency, couriers (so-called 'mules'), and even microloans granted by Russian banks to our citizens who provided their personal data by downloading an app called Taito. This app is designed to corrupt citizens, to involve them in actions meant to destabilise Moldova's political and social situation in the run-up to the elections, and to buy or steal their votes for the 28 September elections.It is an illegal activity, our citizens already know this, as they were subjected to the same tactics last autumn. As a result of last year's vote-buying, over 25,000 fines were issued, totalling 15 million lei - nearly one million US dollars. These are huge sums. The fines for electoral corruption range from 2,000 to 3,000 euros. People can also be arrested, facing jail terms from two to six years. So the penalties are severe. And I believe our citizens must consider the risks - those selling their votes or taking part in these destabilising actions - think about the risks not only to themselves but also to those close to them. Also, think about this: the elections will pass, life goes on, and eventually, everyone will have to answer for their actions. And I am certain that, regardless of the outcome on 28 September, even if, and I hope we avoid this, the result is unfavourable for those in society who want to continue on the European path, that result may cause serious problems, but we will ultimately overcome even that.That is why I urge you: think carefully about what you are doing. The path to the European Union will be hard to stop. Society wants it, the majority of society wants it. We are more connected than ever to the European Union - economically, energetically, financially, politically. The situation is such that any setback will only be temporary. That's why, dear people, let's avoid such a setback and make the right decision on 28 September. And avoid exposing yourselves to acts of corruption. Avoid it. Because in the end, those who give in will be punished.AGERPRES: As far as you know, do these acts of corruption also take place in Romania, targeting citizens of the Republic of Moldova?Victor Chirila: Yes, they do. We already have the police from Chisinau cooperating with the authorities here. They already have intelligence about such attempts to corrupt the electorate that is settled in Romania and not only in Romania. There are several other European Union countries involved. Yes, this is a total war against the Republic of Moldova, initiated by the Russian Federation, a total hybrid war, ruthless, using all levers. Multiple institutions that should not be involved in such actions are being used, which should act in the interest of the Republic of Moldova. I refer also to the church, part of the church, not the entire church, the Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, I must mention this, certain political parties which I do not want to name here, but people know them, and private individuals involved in such actions, including a merging of certain political parties with criminal circles ? things already established and documented by our authorities investigating these connections. Yes, this is a total war, not against current authorities, but against the Republic of Moldova, against a society that wants to live in freedom, first and foremost, and that wants to see the Republic of Moldova as part of the European Union where this freedom is ensured, where human dignity is ensured, where we are offered prosperity or the chance to build a prosperous society, respecting at the same time our rights and dignity. And most importantly, the European Union is a symbol of peace. It was created to maintain peace, and this is very important for us.We are a small state without significant mineral resources, heavily dependent on foreign trade, especially with our neighboring countries, first and foremost Romania, which is very close to us spiritually, ethnically, and with the European Union. We have no other way. This is our natural environment for development. We have no warlike intentions against anyone. We want to develop. We want to live in a peaceful society where the value of freedom is paramount.AGERPRES: President Maia Sandu recently delivered a speech in the European Parliament. She began by saying that the states that founded the European Union, at the time of its founding, were fragile democracies. She also spoke about the democracy in the Republic of Moldova as being fragile. Now, considering last year's experience with hybrid interferences, is Moldovan democracy less fragile? Have the citizens of the Republic of Moldova developed an immune system against these fake news and hybrid attacks, especially in areas like Transnistria and Gagauzia, which Madam president mentioned?Victor Chirila: Transnistria is a zone of non-freedom, so to speak. We cannot talk about democracy there; everything is controlled. It is an authoritarian regime ? the rules and laws are inspired by the Russian Federation, by the Putinist regime. Civil society is fully controlled, so we cannot speak of a civil society, we cannot speak of a free press in the region. At the same time, many of our citizens living in the Transnistrian region are already on the right bank, in Chisinau, in other cities and localities of the Republic of Moldova. Many work, for example, doctors work in hospitals on the right bank of the Dniester River. Many young people work in Chisinau, either as taxi drivers or in the service sector, and they have the chance to be better informed about what is happening in the Republic of Moldova. On the other hand, a good part of the population lives there, and we have no access to inform them properly. Our parties and officials cannot travel there; political parties cannot travel freely in the Transnistrian region. So, to inform and run a proper information campaign in the region, we cannot open polling stations there as long as we cannot ensure the necessary protection and security. All polling stations for the Transnistrian region will be opened on the right bank of the Dniester River. And, of course, we invite them to participate, but not in an organized manner. We expect them to participate and vote freely. And we will also ensure they are not corrupted, etc.In Gagauzia, unfortunately, even though it is integrated into our democratic and institutional system, it is a region whose media is controlled by Russian channels and by a pseudo-elite puppeteered by the Russian Federation. It denies all changes happening with assistance from Chisinau ? which is very significant financially and technically ? and also the assistance coming from the European Union, financial support for rehabilitating important buildings, key institutions, supporting small and medium enterprises, constructing and rehabilitating regional road networks, building water supply networks in the region. All these things are denied, completely denied, as if they were not built, repaired, or rehabilitated with the assistance of the European Union, and instead it is claimed: "The Russian Federation is the biggest supporter," even though this does not reflect reality. Thus, the Russian Federation is no longer even the largest commercial partner of this autonomy within the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova is the largest consumer of products from the autonomy, and the European Union is the biggest external partner of the Gagauzia Region, of the Gagauz Autonomous Region.However, I am glad that finally, leaders, probably future leaders in the region, are gradually changing this societal perspective. We must support this elite through closer cooperation, supporting their local projects, so that the Gagauz society gains more trust in people who do concrete things for them, not manipulation. This is extremely important. So far, it is sad to note that the Gagauz Autonomy Region has voted predominantly against European integration, even though they are among the biggest beneficiaries of European assistance and our increasingly close relations with the European Union. This is a paradox that surprises and saddens us. Well, I do not expect major changes this time, but likely, as we change the realities in the region by supporting a new political and economic elite and encouraging the development of their own identity. Most speak Russian, not even the Gagauz language. We are interested and will do everything to support the consolidation and flourishing of their ethnic identity. Because ultimately, this helps them break away from the malign influence of the Russian Federation, which tells them: "You are Russian speakers, part of the Russian world." I believe they should be part of the free world because the free world offers everything. And they should also study history. The recent history of the 20th century: how much joy did belonging to the Russian world, the so-called Soviet world, bring them? The Gagauz Autonomous Region suffered greatly during the Soviet period, yet they prefer to forget and deny these things.AGERPRES: Have citizens of the Republic of Moldova become more cautious about fake news? Because in Romania, it is also a problem. People take fake news and spread it...Victor Chirila: Some are aware. we demonstrated this in the presidential elections in Romania. So, it did not prevent us from supporting a candidate for the Romanian presidency who aligns with our aspirations ? our democratic aspirations, our European aspirations, our desire to integrate more with Romania and continue projects in infrastructure, culture, and energy security. Romania, I have said it and I repeat, today is the guarantor of our energy security and economic prosperity. Romania is the largest importer of products from the Republic of Moldova. Our number one market is Romania and it will grow greatly in the coming years. As we integrate further with the European Union's single economic market, our trade with Romania will grow exponentially. More and more businesses are here, including investors. We are one of Romania's major investors. According to our data, over 50 billion euros have been invested in Romania. According to Romanian data, over 80 billion. But I believe the investments are indeed very large and will grow further. Romanian investments are also very large ? over 300 billion euros invested in the Republic of Moldova. The most important foreign companies that came to the Republic of Moldova to invest and start businesses first arrived in Romania, and from Romania, knowing us, crossed the Prut River.Thus, we are currently undergoing a process of faster economic integration between our states. As we build and modernize current transport and energy infrastructure, this integration will be unstoppable. And again, we will recreate a common economic space between our states, as it once was. Because this is our natural environment for development, which was interrupted not by our will, but by external powers in the mid-20th century. Now we are reconnecting and must continue on this path. We indeed have a major hurdle on September 28, and I hope we will mobilize. Pressure, manipulation, disinformation are very high. Fake news flows every day. But our civil society is very active; investigative media discovers and helps us understand what is happening. Our authorities, mandated to ensure order and electoral integrity, are working better and demonstrated this in last year's elections. We see that this time as well, they are fulfilling their mission very well. They counter daily networks of Russian intermediaries, intermediaries of Russian networks aiming to corrupt us, manipulate us, disorient us, and convince us not to vote or, in general, to vote for representatives of Russian Federation interests in the Republic of Moldova.AGERPRES: Recent reports indicate that the former deputy director of the Moldovan Security and Intelligence Service was detained and investigated in Romania over the alleged transmission of state secrets. I don't know if you can comment on this, or if there are similar cases involving the transmission of state secrets currently being handled with European or Romanian partners, or if such a risk exists. Does the Moldovan justice system have an ongoing investigation in this regard?Victor Chirila: This is not the first case. I must note, it is not the first case. There was another case: an employee of the Moldovan Parliament arrested for espionage for another state. Again, this shows that our institutions have been penetrated by representatives of other states, but we are glad that ultimately they are exposed, thanks to cooperation with Moldovan authorities, European Union authorities in general, and Romanian authorities in particular. So yes, there are probably others; I do not know, I cannot say, but they are being monitored. I believe they should be cautious. And this is yet another example showing that our security institutions are increasingly effective. This efficiency is largely due to improving the professional skills of their members and the fact that we are supported by our partners. Once again, it shows that only together with our partners can we face the challenges to our security, and we must continue on this path.AGERPRES: Several analysts believe that, if people vote for a pro-European parliament in the upcoming elections in the Republic of Moldova, then there could be a separation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, in the context in which the two countries are currently being considered "as a package" in terms of European Union accession. So what is Chisinau's opinion on this? I mean, everybody will wait for the results of the parliamentary elections, and then what ...Victor Chirila: Our great desire is to start negotiations together, to start the accession negotiations together with Ukraine. We believe that this is the right path. Right now Ukraine is facing an impasse and we are also affected. The impasse is due to the reluctance of a state, I do not want to mention which state, but we hope that in the end that state will be convinced to review its position, so that we can start the accession negotiations together as soon as possible. That state fully supports us, the Republic of Moldova, it reiterates it every time, but the reality is that by hindering Ukraine, we are also hindered, indirectly. Or, if they really want to help us, then I think it would be about time they revise their position in regarding Ukraine, so that both countries will be able to start the negotiations as soon as possible.We are ready to start negotiations on all six groups - clusters, as they name them - of negotiations. We have basically completed the stage that has to do with the screening of our legislation, and the European Commission has already presented the report on the first cluster, the fundamental values. We were asked to present three roadmaps that would stipulate the stages of implementation of the community legislation. And, basically, we presented them to the European Commission. Now we are waiting for the final decision of the EU Council to start negotiations. And we hope - given that one of the promises was to start these negotiations before the parliamentary elections on September 28 - that this period is approaching. We hope, we hope. It would help us a lot, believe me, this decision would help us a lot. If it is taken either this week or next week, it will be a big, important signal for our society. And we are also ready to start negotiations on the other clusters by the end of this year, so that, if we succeed - and here I am addressing the citizens - if we succeed on September 28 to have again a pro-European parliament and a stable pro-European government, which will implement the commitments that we will make during the negotiations, then by the end of 2028 we have every chance of signing the Accession Agreement to the European Union.This is not a dream or a fantasy, it's something real. Our most important partners also assured us that our own effort is the one that is important right now. They are waiting for our effort. They are all watching us. They all want to see what we want. They want to see if we want to wait at the gates of the European Union forever, to have a border along the Prut river again, or we want to be together with Romania again in the free world, which is called the European Union, to be together again inside the European Union, so that we can enjoy peace and development together.AGERPRES: You were talking, in the beginning of this interview, about the resilience of the Moldovan people - basically saying that, no matter what happens, life goes on - when projections point to the fact that, if these elections end with an anti-European parliament in the Republic of Moldova, then the accession file will be closed...Victor Chirila: It all depends on how the future parliament will look like. If the parliament will be a fully pro-Russian one, fully anti-European, then everything gets very complicated. And we will be facing very difficult times. In what concerns the economy, in terms of financial assistance, in the context in which the budget of the Republic of Moldova is 30pct supported by the foreign injections, by the financial help it gets from the Western world and, first of all, from the European Union. Our energy security, which I already mentioned, is hundred per cent dependant on the natural gas we take from the European Union market and the pipelines that cross Romania.The pipelines that were bringing us the gas from the Russian Federation are no longer in use, as they should go through Ukraine, and Ukraine doesn't allow it. And then, obviously, we need to go the European Union for help, in order to be able to bring the gas. Also, when it comes to the electricity transmission lines, well, we need to buy from the free market, because we do not produce enough, neither during the summer or during the winter. However, this autumn, probably by the end of November, we will put into use a new high voltage line, which we connect us directly with Romania - Isaccea - Vulcanesti - the Republic of Moldova. Other two electricity transmission lines will be built in the next two years. But, again, it all depends on the results of the September 28 elections, given that all these project, including the one that is about to be financed this autumn, to benefit from assistance from the Western world and especially from the European Union. And there are also the bridges that we are building together with Romania, including the Ungheni bridge, where we have already started construction, 50 per cent of these funds are from Romania and 50 per cent from the European Union. And this is the case for the other bridges as well. And also for the highway, the Unirii highway, that we intend to build in the Republic of Moldova, up to Odessa, which will benefit from financial assistance from the European Union. And many, many other projects underway in the Republic of Moldova rely a lot on the European Union.So our citizens must understand one thing, and especially the local authorities, for I know that some in the local apparatus are upset, frustrated. It doesn't help us to be frustrated or to stay upset. You must thing practically. Forget about you sorrows and let's think about the fate of the people around us. If you are mayors, you must think about your locality and your own fate. Because, either if you have an aqueduct that you are currently building, or a road, or an access bridge that you need to rebuilt, or a school that you need to rehabilitate, for all these projects, even if they come from Chisinau, or a good part of these projects, the 30 per cent assistance from the European Union is necessary. Not to mention Romania, which is helping us through the local authorities here, through bilateral projects, to fund a myriad of local, social projects. So, good people, do vote while think about your dear ones, vote with your heart, but also with your mind, while being realistic and pragmatic.