Упрощенная HTML-версия
Author : F. Mukhametshin
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova,
Doctor of Science (Political Science)
MATTERS RELATED TO LANGUAGE use
go beyond the framework of philological disci-
plines and in some way or other impact various
aspects of public life. Language and culture are
recognized within the international community as
principal "soft power" tools for promoting a
country's positive image abroad.
Being the mother tongue of many Russian com-
patriots living abroad, the Russian language re-
mains an important unifying factor in the evolution of integration processes in the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
In April this year, the Moldovan authorities put forward their concept of promoting the
atmosphere of interethnic accord in the republic in their Ethnic Minority Integration Strat-
egy, which was submitted to a public discussion for its subsequent approval.
Analysis of its approaches helps identify a key trend in ensuring the rights of ethnic groups
living in Moldova. It consists in the gradual review of Moldova's national legislation toward
limiting the rights and the legitimate interests of ethnic minorities, as well as in providing
conditions that effectively restrict the use of the Russian language in the republic.
During the meeting with the OSCE high commissioner, the leaders of ethnic and cultural
organizations said that the provisions of the Code, which effectively guarantees the edu-
cation process only in Romanian, are in conflict with Article 35, Point 2 of the Moldovan
Constitution, which establishes that the state will ensure a person's right to choose the lan-
guage of instruction in accordance with the law.
On the whole, ethnic minorities, disappointed with the fact that their opinion was not
taken into consideration in the drafting of this law, are also pessimistic with regard to the
National Minority Integration Strategy.
Moldova's political parties only recall ethnic minority problems shortly before elections,
promising them protection, support and even the abolition of regulations limiting their
rights. Nevertheless, after the election race, draft laws not only limiting ethnic minority
rights but also in conflict with current national legislation on their protection are submitted
to parliament.
http://interaffairs.ru
Ethnic Minority Integration Strategy: What's in the Offing for
Russian Speakers in Moldova?