Romania to open two more consulates in Moldova, lobby for cancellation of EU visa regime

Titus Corlatean, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Romanian Senate, held a press conference in Chisinau today. Mr. Corlatean met with Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Speaker and interim President Mihai Ghimpu, Democratic Party leader and potential President Marian Lupu, as well as deputy Speaker Serafim Urechean.

The Romanian official said that he already has the preliminary approval from Bucharest to open up two more Romanian consulates in Moldova. Chisinau will, in turn, open a consulate in the city of Iasi, which is right at the border with Romania.

Communist authorities refused to allow Bucharest to open more consulates in Moldova, despite overcrowding problems at the one in Chisinau. Particularly after Romania joined the European Union and imposed visas on Moldovan citizens, the consulate in Chisinau has become notorious for long lines. Media outlets covered numerous cases of Moldovans staying overnight on the lawn in front of the consulate in order to secure a place in line.

Mr. Corlatean also added that Romania would lobby for the EU's cancellation of its visa regime with Moldova. Currently, Moldovan citizens need visas for every EU member-country.

h/t www.stireazilei.md