The Newsletter is based on the radio programme broadcast on August 27 th , 2016, produced by the Foreign Policy Association of Moldova in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES). The programme is broadcast on the Radio Moldova public channel. The programme is part of the FES/APE“European Integration and Foreign Policy Dialogues” Project. The content can be reproduced by mentioning the source. NEWSLETTER MONTHLY BULLETIN AUGUST 2016 NR.8(126) Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The materials are realized by Lina Grau, foreign policy expert and programme coordinator with APE. TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Serghei Gherasimciuk, Kiev: The alternative to the European integration is transformation of Ukraine and of the Republic of Moldova into a„geopolitical morass” between Russia and the EU 2. Sorin Ioniță, București : After 25 de years, it has been found out that the uncertainty was convenient to the political elite in the Republic of Moldova 3. Sergiu Musteață : Some things have changed for the better but not to the extent to be able to say Moldova is a rule of law The last period was marked by several important events for Moldova. Starting with the 31 st of August the Republic of Moldova is entering the“electoral period” before the presidential elections that will take place on October 30 th .“Electoral period” does not mean “election campaign”. For the first time, the election campaign will not start with the official registration of each candidate, but for all competitors on the same date-September 30 th . The“Action and Solidarity Party”, led by Maia Sandu, and the“Truth and Dignity Platform Party, led by Andrei Nastase announced they would decide on a common candidate for the presidential election that will also be supported by the Liberal Democratic Party. The choice will be made between Maia Sandu and Andrei Nastase, says the press release. Also the Democratic Party- the ruling party- held internal consultations to appoint a presidential candidate, whose name will be announced later. Serghei Gherasimciuk: The alternative to the European integration is transformation of Ukraine and of the Republic of Moldova into a„geopolitical morass” between Russia and the EU The Russian Federation has announced its intention to open on the territory of the Republic of Moldova 25 polling stations for the elections in the Russian Duma from September 18 th - one in Chisinau, one in Balti and one in Comrat, a mobile polling station in Cahul, and 22 polling stations in the Transnistrian region. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry said it doesn’t oppose the plans, but it warns against opening polling stations in Transnistria, where Chisinau cannot guarantee the security of polling centres. In Transnistria, the Russian Troops Task Force has conducted new military exercises together with units of the power structures of the Tiraspol separatist administration and medical teams. The exercise which took place on August 16 th is the second exercise conducted jointly by the Russian and Transnistrian soldiers in less than two weeks. The Moldovan Bureau for Reintegration described the exercises form August 16 th and 17 th as“illegal, unacceptable and defiant” and reiterated its call on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops and munitions from the Transnistrian region. Several NGOs have handed over to the EU Delegation in Chisinau an appeal calling for an international investigation into the issue of the bank robbery. The NGOs argue that the internal investigation is not credible if the officials who admitted the robbery remain in office. On August 24 th , the Romanian Government has released the first tranche of 60 million euros from the 150 million reimbursable aid promised to the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian Prime Minister, Dacian Ciolos, said during the official 2-day visit to Chisinau that the second installment will be released after Chisinau signs the agreement with the IMF. The loan had been frozen because of the“one billion theft” from the Moldovan banks. Pavel Filip’s government says it hopes to conclude an agreement with the IMF in October. B oth Ukraine and the Republic Moldova are celebrating these days a quarter of century of independence. The Ukrainian analyst Sergei Gherasimciuk, expert with the Foreign Policy Council in Kiev, says that after a quarter of century the Moldovan-Ukrainian relations are promising, especially in light of the European vector embraced by both capitals, despite many thorny issues. Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 8(126), august 2016 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax:+373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: office@ape.md