Moldova Expels Romanian Ambassador
By VOA News
08 April 2009
Moldova has expelled the Romanian ambassador, after accusing that country of involvement in anti-communist rioting that rocked the Moldovan capital Tuesday.
Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin ordered the expulsion Wednesday and announced the recall of his country's ambassador from Romania. Mr. Voronin said his government will also reintroduce a visa regime with Romania. The announcements came hours after riot police regained control of the parliament building and presidential offices in Chisinau.
Thousands of anti-communist students ransacked the facilities Tuesday in a protest over what they said were rigged elections that gave communists an absolute majority in parliament. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said Sunday's elections met many democratic standards. Late Tuesday, Mr. Voronin announced a vote recount.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered again in the Moldovan capital Wednesday, while thousands of others rallied in Romania to support the protesters in Chisinau.
Moldovan police reported about 200 arrests Tuesday when crowds of young protesters overwhelmed police.
Some witnesses say the demonstrations began after a text messaging and social networking campaign initiated by government critics.
Observers say text message volume was so high that overloaded mobile phone services shut down and Internet service in the Moldovan capital was interrupted.
Students say they see no future if communists maintain power in the country of four million residents, that is wedged between Ukraine and Romania.
Moldova's outgoing President Voronin, a communist, is to step down this month after two consecutive terms. The new parliament is to vote on his successor.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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