Moldova marks Republic Day

CHISINAU, August 27 (Itar-Tass) - Moldova marks Republic Day this
Thursday. Following the flop of the August coup in 1991, the Moldovan
parliament proclaimed independence on this day.
The government prepared an extensive programme of festivities for its
18th anniversary. They will open traditionally with a wreath-laying
ceremony at the monument to the founder of Moldovan statehood Shtephan the
Great. Concerts, exhibitions, sport contests and other festive events will
be held throughout the republic.
Republic Day is marked in the difficult situation in the country. The
election campaign of the new parliament, that lasted for over six months,
threatens to plunge the country, living through the economic slump caused
by the world crisis, into a deep economic crisis. Under this situation,
Russia, China and the IMF promised Moldova a financial aid. However, they
wait when Chisinau forms a new government.
However, this is not a simple thing to do. The Communist Party that
ruled the republic eight years, lost the majority in the legislature which
will gather on August 28 for its first session. Four parties - the
Liberal, Liberal-Democratic, Democratic and the Alliance Our Moldova,
which won 53 seats in parliament out of 101, already announced the
formation of a ruling coalition the Alliance For European Integration.
It is necessary to have 61 votes to elect the president. Therefore,
they have to come to agreement with Communists. If the head of state is
not elected after two attempts, the legislative assembly will be
disbanded, as was the case last June. Then, Moldova will face early
elections next year.