The ban on far-right AUR party President George Simion from entering the Republic of Moldova has been extended for another five years, representatives of the General Inspectorate for Migration of the Ministry in Chisinau told NewsMaker.md.
The Inspectorate said that Moldova’s competent authority had informed the Romanian authorities of the decision, adding there was a dispute with Simion, who had challenged the imposed measure in court.
”Nothing has changed across the Prut in recent years. Instead of embracing the idea of union, politicians from Chisinau cling to their comfortable armchairs, professing love for Romania only when it suits them”, said Simion in response.
Simion was expelled from Moldova on 1 October 2018 and declared persona non grata for five years. The ban stemmed from an incident on 27 August 2018, during the Union March, when Romanian citizens were denied entry at the state border of the Republic of Moldova.
In 2018, Simion had not yet entered politics and was a long-time activist in favour of Romania’s union with Moldova, organising numerous demonstrations in the latter country.
The initial reason for the expulsion was the inappropriate and provocative behaviour of some individuals, their refusal to comply with legal procedures and a series of threats during discussions with Border Police representatives. However, Romanian authorities denied these allegations, claiming that the young people had behaved appropriately.
Despite the ban, Simion attempted to enter the Republic of Moldova in 2021 and 2022.
Recently, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that he would demand an explanation from both Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Moldova for the reasons behind banning Simion. Ciolacu said he had access to the information but could not make it public.
Moldova’s General Inspectorate for Migration said it had declared 98 foreigners “undesirable” since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022.
”Foreigners can be declared undesirable in the Republic of Moldova if there are indications that they have engaged in, are currently involved in, or have solid indications of intending to carry out activities that may jeopardise national security or public order”, the Inspectorate added.
(Cătălina Mihai | Euractiv.ro)
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Source: euractiv.com
