The government has approved Moldova’s denunciation of the status of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and its establishment agreement. The procedures mean the country’s definitive withdrawal from the international organization.
Authorities in Chisinau argue that they approved the decision in the context of Russia’s violations of the fundamental values that underpinned the creation of the Community, reports IPN. According to Moldovan diplomacy, Russia no longer respects the principles of the CIS, and the situation has worsened following the invasion of Ukraine and due to the violation of the territorial integrity of several states.
The government emphasizes that the decision aligns with the country’s new strategic priorities. The Republic of Moldova has candidate status for the European Union, and maintaining obligations towards the CIS would be incompatible with the commitments undertaken in the European integration process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that the denunciation of the CIS’s founding treaties will not affect other bilateral agreements with member states, and the right to free movement of citizens will not be violated.
Withdrawal from the CIS will generate annual savings of 3.1 million lei.