Moldova’s non-adoption of anti-discrimination law delays liberalization of visa regime
“Moldova has to adopt the anti-discrimination law in order to benefit from a visa free regime with the European Union” – said the head of the EU delegation in Moldova, Dirk Schuebel .
As he said, Moldova had taken this commitment while negotiating the roadmap on the liberalization of the visa regime. The opponents of this law should thoroughly analyze it, noting that about a half of Moldovan citizens will benefit from the adoption of this law.
- Head of The EU Delegation in Moldova – Dirk Schuebel
“The non-discrimination of sexual minorities is only an aspect of this draft law. Is there any reasons to violate the rights of a group of people?” – Schuebel wondered. The non-discrimination on sexual orientation grounds, envisaged in the non-discrimination law is being bitterly criticized by the Moldovan religious organisations. On the other hand, the cancellation of visas to the EU by late 2012 was among the electoral commitments of the senior coalition partner Liberal Democratic Party.
The EU assistance provided for Chisinau will amount to 100 million euros in 2012, Moldova being the most important beneficiary per capita after Palestine. The European Union has been negotiating with Moldova an association agreement, which includes an agreement on the liberalization of the visa regime and a deep and comprehensive free trade area agreement. Moreover, the EU reckons that the justice reform is the most topical issue due to be implemented be Moldova.
Source: Moldpres
