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Guterres expresses solidarity as Moldova grapples with fallout of Russia’s war in Ukraine |


Speaking at the press conference with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița in the Moldovan capital Chisinau, the head of the United Nations said: “Moldova is not just another country that accepts refugees… I am deeply concerned about the continuation and potential for contagion. spread of the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine, and the impact it is having not only in the region but around the world. ”

“The United Nations is committed to supporting not only the Ukrainian people, but also the people of Moldova during these difficult times,” Guterres said. the past three decades, must not be threatened or undermined. ”


Secretary General António Guterres meets with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița of Moldova.

UN photo / Mark Garten

Secretary General António Guterres meets with Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița of Moldova.

‘Refugees live with families of Moldovans’

The United Nations began a large-scale operation to assist residents of Ukraine, including those living on the territory of Moldova: at the border crossing in Palanca, refugees were greeted by Union staff. United Nations, who help them find and decide what to do next, provide them with legal and material support, and provide them with basic needs.

“But obviously, that is not enough. We need to do more,” emphasized the Secretary-General at the start of his two-day visit to Vietnam.

“It is not easy for the United Nations to prepare for a humanitarian crisis in Europe. Here we do not have traditional forms of humanitarian assistance in crisis areas of the developing world, in fragile States,” continued Mr Guterres, adding that in Moldova, there is no refugee camps: Moldovans are opening their homes to Ukrainians.

The UN has rearranged the way it works to meet these realities and is now expanding its most effective programs to include the provision of cash assistance. The head of the UN says people should be trusted to know what their needs are.

The UN plans to assist 90,000 refugees and 55,000 families to receive them.

The effects of the war spread through the region’s fragile economies

Moldova is a small European country with a “weak economy”. It was inland, and the port of Odessa, where it shipped its goods to world markets, was closed due to war.

Moreover, Moldova is not only open to displaced people, like many of its neighbors: proportional to the size of its population, it has received the highest number of Ukrainian refugees since at the beginning of the Russian invasion.

While calling for “great support” to match Moldova’s generosity, the Secretary-General stressed that other neighboring countries such as Moldova have been grappling with the socioeconomic impacts of the crisis. this war. COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery is uneven across the globe.

Faced with these and other pressing concerns, the United Nations chief called on Kyiv and Moscow to “step up diplomatic efforts through dialogue to expeditiously reach a negotiated, appropriate agreement.” with international law and uncharted”, and he called on regional and international partners to support this process” in the interest of global stability. ”

“The impact of the war in Ukraine across the region and around the world is profound and far-reaching. The consequences of escalation are too scary to contemplate,” he declared, emphasizing: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine must stop. The guns must be silenced. ”

The foundation of peace and security

“On May 9, this very day, we must remember that dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect are the cornerstones of peace and security in Europe and around the world,” Guterres said. , referring to what became known as ‘Victory Day’, which marks the anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two in 1945.

This year, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the celebration of victory over fascism has caused some anxiety in Chisinau, as regional media reported on possible mass action. and even the threat of clashes between proponents of different approaches in assessing such historical events.

“The fact that I am here on May 9 is a pure coincidence. This visit is programmed in conjunction with the meeting of [United Nations] The chief executive is in Vienna, and as such, it’s convenient, both for the Moldovan Government and for me,” Guterres said in response to a journalist’s question.

The Secretary-General congratulates Moldova on the 30th anniversary of its accession to the United Nations. In 1992, after the Soviet Union collapsed and gained independence. In that context, he highly appreciated Moldova’s contribution to peace-building, promoting sustainable development and gender equality, as well as combating climate change.


Victory day in Chisinau, Moldova

United Nations News

Victory day in Chisinau, Moldova

Funding for humanitarian aid

UN appealed for $2.5 billion in humanitarian aid in Ukraine, and $1.85 billion in assistance for Ukrainian refugees in other countries.

“I urge all nations to give generously. Globally, these are very small numbers,” said the Secretary-General, calling on all countries to consider strengthening economic cooperation with Moldova.

While the current flow of refugees to Moldova cannot compare with the first weeks of the war, according to United Nations officials who have met Ukrainians fleeing war at the border, on a number of days, The number of arrivals increased sharply, often due to an escalation in the war. By the end of this year, the number of refugees in Moldova could increase to one million, according to United Nations estimates, with around 250,000 of them likely to remain in the country.

Among his other activities today, the Secretary-General met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu, and on Tuesday he will meet the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Tomorrow, the UN chief is also expected to visit the MoldExpo exhibition center, where UN staff and civil society groups are working tirelessly to support refugees from Ukraine. In addition, Mr. Guterres is also expected to visit one of the Chisinau families who are sheltered by Ukrainians.



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