Moldova extends state of emergency and says risks from war are high

Moldova extends state of emergency and says risks from war are high
July 29, 2022, 8:52 am

Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic declared its independence and took the name Moldova - Photo. Pixabay

Moldova's parliament on Thursday (July 28) voted to extend a state of emergency for 60 days after the government said it still needed special powers to deal with the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, speaking to legislators, cited continuing risks to energy and border security and the need to manage the flow of refugees from Ukraine, the US news reported, citing Reuters.

"The risks for Moldova due to the war in Ukraine remain high. The government needs additional powers," she said. The extension will come into force on Aug 8.

Around 500,000 refugees have crossed the border since the February invasion, of whom just over 100,000 remained in Moldova, a small nation of around 2.6 million people.

Moldova's parliament initially voted to approve a temporary state of emergency on Feb. 24, two days after Russia's invasion, and extended the measure in April and June.

Moldova's President Maia Sandu (File photo: Facebook page)

Moldova, country lying in the northeastern corner of the Balkan region of Europe. Its capital city is Chișinău, located in the south-central part of the country.

Formerly known as Bessarabia, this region was an integral part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, when it was ceded to Russia by its suzerain, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

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Until after World War I, Moldovia remained a province of the Russian Empire, then it became part of Greater Romania, and in 1940–41 and again after World War II, it reverted to Russian control.

Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic declared its independence and took the name Moldova. It became a member of the United Nations in 1992.

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