‘Moldova: Between Integration and Conflict’ by Serafim Florea

Posted
20th September 2007


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Thursday 20 September 2007 19.00 – 21.00, The Romanian Cultural Centre, 8th floor, 54-62 Regent Street, London W1B 5RE; Tel. 020 7439 4052, ext 102; e-mail: mail@ratiufamilyfoundation.com; Entry is free but booking is essential. “After a vicious war in 1991, the tiny region of the Republic of Moldova on the eastern bank of river Dniester has been occupied and landlocked by the Russian 14th army with an authoritarian and anti-democratic regime under Igor Smirnov. This regime, outlawed by the international community and branded as smuggling and banditry, is blamed for exporting mafia activities to the other side of the Republic of Moldova, and is affecting Moldova’s economic and political development. Thus, of huge concern are not only the valuable energy outlets and several thriving industrial enterprises controlled by Moscow and Smirnov’s regime, but mostly the wellbeing of the 380,000 ethnic Romanian-Moldovans living in the Transnistrian region, who are oppressed and persecuted, and live in constant fear and chaos. Similarly, as never before, of immediate concern is the future of another 2 million Romanian-Moldovans, left in the western part of the Republic also under authoritarian rule, and another 2 millions who emigrated as they could. A ‘European’ solution, for stability and development in the Republic of Moldova, is acutely needed.” (Serafim Florea) Serafim Florea is a professional in international law and business, civil society and conflict management. Born in Chisinau, former Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova (SSRM), in 1985, Serafim lived in the Republic of Moldova and in the United States and now is residing in the United Kingdom. In Moldova he worked with various NGOs including the Peace Corps, the Soros Foundation and the US Alumni Association of Moldova. Serafim is passionately devoted to seeing Republic of Moldova adhering to the European Union and becoming a prosperous society. He puts hope particularly in ACUM’s aim (United Moldovans Community Association founded by him in August 2006) of improving the image of Republic of Moldova and its Romanian heritage within the UK and worldwide, while promoting community and friendship among all peoples. He is actively involved with Frontline, Chatham House, and various human rights organizations and communities. During his masters at Kingston University, Serafim examined the conflicts of Yugoslavia, Chechnya, Rwanda and Transnistria. David Webster, Director of the Anglo-Romanian Economic and Political Forum, will chair the discussions. Organised by The Ratiu Foundation www.ratiufamilyfoundation.com




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