Chișinău: Moldovans recalls and tell our correspondent Sidhant Sibal the most popular Indian song in the country "Jimmy Jimmy" & "Mithun Chakraborty". The song continues its popularity & remains a strong connect in with post Soviet space. The most popular mention is from the 1982 Bollywood film "Disco Dancer".

Chișinău: Moldovans recalls the popular “Bollywood song” of the country

The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of&nbsp;war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine about its NATO bid</h2>

Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania.&nbsp;

“This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.”&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Why is the summit being held in Moldova?</h2>

The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova.&nbsp;

The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau.&nbsp;

The summit is also&nbsp;taking place with&nbsp;NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes.&nbsp;

Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president.&nbsp;

In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova.&nbsp;

<h2>Moldova and Ukraine</h2>

While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from&nbsp;Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies.

The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion.&nbsp;

“We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press.&nbsp;

Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart&nbsp;during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius.

The second European Political Community summit began in Moldova, the neighbouring country of war-torn Ukraine, on Thursday (June 1) which saw the participation of 47 leaders from the 27-nation bloc, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that Kyiv wanted to receive a “clear” decision on its future in NATO during the military alliance’s leaders' meet which will take place in July in Vilnius. Ukraine about its NATO bid Addressing the summit of European leaders in Moldova, the Ukrainian president said that he wanted to receive a “clear” decision about the war-torn country’s bid to join the military alliance during the upcoming meeting which will be held in Lithuania. “This year is for decisions. In summer in Vilnius at the NATO summit, a clear invitation to the members of Ukraine is needed and the security guarantees on the way to NATO membership are needed,” said Zelensky. He added, “On our accession to the EU a clear, positive decision is needed.” The Ukrainian president also spoke about Kyiv’s preparation for the Peace Summit to “guide the world to jointly implement” the 10-point peace plan proposed by Zelensky, which entails the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Why is the summit being held in Moldova? The summit of over 40 leaders from the EU’s 27 nations was held at Mimi Castle in southern Moldovan wine country which is some 20 kilometres away from Ukraine and also near to the Russian-backed, breakaway Transdniestria region of Moldova. The decision to host the summit in Moldova is being seen as a symbolic show of support for Kyiv and Chisinau. The summit is also taking place with NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance planes flying over the former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people. Notably, Moldova, whose President Maia Sandu, a pro-Western leader has sought EU membership, shut its airspace except for official delegation planes. Notably, Moldova has witnessed missile debris multiple times since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “The presence of these leaders in our country is a clear message that Moldova is not alone and neither is our neighbour Ukraine, which for a year and three months has been standing against the barbaric invasion of Russia,” said the Moldovan president. In addition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the EU leaders are also expected to discuss issues like ethnic tensions in Kosovo as well as peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. France and Germany are also expected to host a round table involving the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in an effort to broker a peace deal between the two countries, during the summit in Moldova. Moldova and Ukraine While in Moldova, the Ukrainian president urged the international community to put concrete “security guarantees” in place for Kyiv and its neighbouring Moldova amid threats from Russia. Zelensky also indicated that he would talk to “partner countries” about a possible “air jets coalition” and providing Patriot missiles, which are used by the United States and its allies. The Ukrainian president said that “security guarantees are very important” for both Kyiv and Chisinau citing “Russia, their aggressions in Ukraine and potential aggression in other parts of Europe.” Notably, Moldova, like Ukraine, applied to join the EU last year shortly after the Russian invasion. “We support Moldova and its people who are integrating into the EU. You supported our people, our refugees who fled in the first days of the war, and we will never forget it,” said Zelensky standing beside Sandu while addressing the press. Prior to the summit, Zelensky also said that he met with his Moldovan counterpart during which they discussed “strengthening cooperation between our countries and counter the challenges posed by Russia together.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky joins European leaders summit in Moldova, asks for ‘clear’ decision on NATO membership

Russian sympathisers are planning to stir up protests in Moldova in hopes of ousting the Moldovan government so that a pro-Russian regime comes to power, the White House official said citing US intelligence reports.

National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby on Friday said that Moscow is wary of the pro-western government in Moldova and hence deployed individuals connected to Russian intelligence in order to foment insurrection.

Kirby said that the US is also seeing signs that Russian government-linked actors could provide training to anti-government demonstrators in Moldova.

The comments come in the wake of recent anti-government protests that hit the streets of the capital Chisinau. It is reported that Moldova’s Russia-friendly Shor Party is behind the agitation.

"As Moldova continues to integrate with Europe, we believe Russia is pursuing options to weaken the Moldovan government probably with the eventual goal of seeing a more Russian-friendly administration in the capital," Kirby said, according to AP news agency.

He claimed that Moscow intends to sow disinformation about Moldova's overall stability.

Kirby backed his claim by specifically mentioning the Russian Ministry of Defence's claim last month that Ukraine has been planning to invade Transnistria, Moldova's Moscow-backed separatist region.

The US official called that claim "unfounded, false", and said that such allegations "create baseless alarm”.

Shor Party's leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch currently in exile in Israel. Shor is named on a US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests. Britain also added Shor to a sanctions list in December.

On Thursday, Moldova's national anti-corruption agency said officers carried out car searches of "couriers" for the Shor Party, and seized more than €150,000 ($160,000) in a case of alleged illegal party financing by an organised criminal group.

Shor Party holds six seats in the country's 101-seat legislature.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian sympathisers are planning to stir up protests in Moldova in hopes of ousting the Moldovan government so that a pro-Russian regime comes to power, the White House official said citing US intelligence reports.

Russian sympathisers are planning to stir up protests in Moldova in hopes of ousting the Moldovan government so that a pro-Russian regime comes to power, the White House official said citing US intelligence reports. National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby on Friday said that Moscow is wary of the pro-western government in Moldova and hence deployed individuals connected to Russian intelligence in order to foment insurrection. Kirby said that the US is also seeing signs that Russian government-linked actors could provide training to anti-government demonstrators in Moldova. The comments come in the wake of recent anti-government protests that hit the streets of the capital Chisinau. It is reported that Moldova’s Russia-friendly Shor Party is behind the agitation. "As Moldova continues to integrate with Europe, we believe Russia is pursuing options to weaken the Moldovan government probably with the eventual goal of seeing a more Russian-friendly administration in the capital," Kirby said, according to AP news agency. He claimed that Moscow intends to sow disinformation about Moldova's overall stability. Kirby backed his claim by specifically mentioning the Russian Ministry of Defence's claim last month that Ukraine has been planning to invade Transnistria, Moldova's Moscow-backed separatist region. The US official called that claim "unfounded, false", and said that such allegations "create baseless alarm”. Shor Party's leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch currently in exile in Israel. Shor is named on a US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests. Britain also added Shor to a sanctions list in December. On Thursday, Moldova's national anti-corruption agency said officers carried out car searches of "couriers" for the Shor Party, and seized more than €150,000 ($160,000) in a case of alleged illegal party financing by an organised criminal group. Shor Party holds six seats in the country's 101-seat legislature. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia fomenting protests to overthrow pro-western Moldovan government, claims US

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision.

On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers.

AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out.

The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally.

Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory.&nbsp;

Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later.

"We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari.

"Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks."

Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections.

"Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!"

(With AFP inputs)

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon. However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision. On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers. AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out. The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors. During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally. Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory. Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later. "We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari. "Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks." Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections. "Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!" (With AFP inputs)

Moldova: Thousands rally demanding government's resignation

Former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat&nbsp;was sentenced today to nine years in prison for abuse of power, a charge his lawyer said was a politically motivated attempt to humiliate him. 
 
Filat was arrested during a parliamentary session last October after months of mass street protests over the disappearance of $1 billion from the banking sector, equivalent to one-eighth of the tiny ex-Soviet republic&#39;s economy. He denies any connection to the crime and all charges against him. 
 
Prosecutor Adriana Betisor, who had sought a sentence of 19 years, said the ruling, at the end of a closed trial, was &quot;too soft&quot;, and vowed to continue pursuing other cases against Filat connected to the banking fraud. 
 
&quot;He has pleaded not guilty, but his guilt is clear ... Investigations will continue in other areas,&quot; Betisor said. 
 
Filat&#39;s lawyer, Igor Popa, called the case &quot;a political, well-directed spectacle.&quot; 
 
&quot;Its goal was to destroy Filat as a person, in the most humiliating and crushing manner possible. We will seek a fair trial outside Moldova and will find a lawful ruling,&quot; he said. 
 
Filat, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2013, is credited with putting Moldova on a pro-European path by signing an association agreement with the European Union. But an enduring economic crisis and perceived corruption in the ruling elite pushed his public trust rating into single digits. 
 
He says he has become a scapegoat over the banking scandal, which weakened Moldova&#39;s currency and damaged living standards in what was already Europe&#39;s poorest country. 
 
The crisis has held up the disbursement of valuable budget support from international lenders and highlighted the corrosive rivalry between oligarch groups in Moldova. 
 
The appointment of a new prime minister in January with close ties to Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of Moldova&#39;s richest and most unpopular public figures, angered opposition lawmakers and citizens, who wanted a snap parliamentary election. 
 
(Reuters)

Vlad Filat was arrested last October after months of mass street protests over the disappearance of $1 billion from banking sector

Former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat was sentenced today to nine years in prison for abuse of power, a charge his lawyer said was a politically motivated attempt to humiliate him. Filat was arrested during a parliamentary session last October after months of mass street protests over the disappearance of $1 billion from the banking sector, equivalent to one-eighth of the tiny ex-Soviet republic's economy. He denies any connection to the crime and all charges against him. Prosecutor Adriana Betisor, who had sought a sentence of 19 years, said the ruling, at the end of a closed trial, was "too soft", and vowed to continue pursuing other cases against Filat connected to the banking fraud. "He has pleaded not guilty, but his guilt is clear ... Investigations will continue in other areas," Betisor said. Filat's lawyer, Igor Popa, called the case "a political, well-directed spectacle." "Its goal was to destroy Filat as a person, in the most humiliating and crushing manner possible. We will seek a fair trial outside Moldova and will find a lawful ruling," he said. Filat, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2013, is credited with putting Moldova on a pro-European path by signing an association agreement with the European Union. But an enduring economic crisis and perceived corruption in the ruling elite pushed his public trust rating into single digits. He says he has become a scapegoat over the banking scandal, which weakened Moldova's currency and damaged living standards in what was already Europe's poorest country. The crisis has held up the disbursement of valuable budget support from international lenders and highlighted the corrosive rivalry between oligarch groups in Moldova. The appointment of a new prime minister in January with close ties to Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of Moldova's richest and most unpopular public figures, angered opposition lawmakers and citizens, who wanted a snap parliamentary election. (Reuters)

Moldovan court jails ex-PM for 9 years for abuse of power

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