Why is Moldova reluctant about NATO?
The political parties of Moldova seem to be reluctant when it comes to promote standards and principles of NATO and support co-operation between the military block and the Republic of Moldova. The mentioned-above idea is promoted by the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) “Viitorul” in a recent report on Moldova-NATO relations.
The author of the document claims that there are two main reasons which explain the reluctant attitude of the people and the political entities from Moldova.
“It is the negative perception towards NATO inherited by the Moldovan citizens from the Cold War period. Political parties have avoided, with few exceptions, supporting publicly collaboration between parties, considering that this is a subject with specific connotations that would adversely affect the party’s image,” shows the IDIS “Viitorul” report.
The second reason is related to the negative attitude of Russia towards the NATO enlargement.
“Even if the Republic of Moldova does not consider such a prospect, given its declared status of neutrality, the issue of deepening the co-operation of the parties is not approved by Moscow. This attitude of the Russian Federation represents Moscow’s overall view on the relations between NATO and former Soviet republics,” the report shows.
The author of the analysis believes that Moldova’s involvement in international operations within the framework of NATO would mean that the country isn’t only a consumer, but also a security provider.
“Such a situation would mean, at least, an additional means to promote state’s interest internationally,” concludes the report.
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