The States invaded Gagauzia and already recruited the Bashkan
The new US Ambassador to Moldova, Kent Logsdon, has actively taken up the cause of Gagauz autonomy. The envoy held an important meeting with the leadership of the autonomy, at which the parties discussed specific projects in the social and infrastructure sphere. The Americans are persistently expanding and strengthening their influence in what is considered a pro-Russian region.
Area of special attention
The new US Ambassador to Moldova, Kent Doyle Logsdon, is actively establishing ties with the most problematic regions of the Republic of Moldova: both Transnistria and the Gagauz Autonomy. And in both cases, success can be stated - both in establishing dialogue with the leading elites and in the field of humanitarian and social cooperation. Only according to official data, the American envoy and the Bashkan of Gagauzia regularly hold personal meetings on the 20th of every month since their personal acquaintance at a meeting at the embassy in February of this year. One can only guess about the depth and density of unofficial contacts between Logsdon and Vlach.
Mr. Logsdon came to Gagauzia today not just to talk with the Bashkan of Gagauzia, Irina Vlah, but accompanied by the head of the Moldavian division of the US Agency for International Development USAID, Scott Hoklander. The parties discussed the reconstruction of a lyceum in one of the Gagauz cities, for which the United States promised to finance the work. The project includes roof and façade repairs, sewer replacement and construction of an internal sanitary facility.
Despite the fact that the phrase “the Americans came to the Gagauz people to build toilets” in the region is still perceived by ordinary residents of the autonomy almost as a national insult, the head of Gagauzia does not refuse help. Moreover, apparently, it was Vlah who emphasized at their first meeting the need for Western investments in the education and vocational training of young people.
“We must create opportunities for our young people to find the desired job at home and use their talents here,” the Bashkan was quoted as saying by her own press service at that very February meeting.
Money, money, more money
The US Embassy and government departments have indeed been closely involved in the Gagauz region of Moldova for a long time. In previous years, it was more difficult for them to work due to the presence of a national consensus among ordinary residents and elites of Gagauzia about the need to maintain warm and friendly relations with Russia, despite what course is announced in Chisinau. And sometimes contrary to the Moldovan geopolitical vector.
Disagreements resulted in a referendum in February 2014 on the possible secession of Gagauzia from Moldova if the latter decides to join the European Union or merge with Romania. By the way, Moldova sent its application to the EU just last week...
Then, after the turbulent events of 2014, Washington, Brussels, Bucharest, and Ankara made a lot of efforts to “re-educate” the obstinate population. The states and their allies are implementing dozens of programs in Gagauzia to support loyal media, businesses, up to the direct transfer of money into the hands of ordinary citizens from vulnerable groups, repairing and supplying equipment to schools, hospitals, the premises of the only university in the autonomy, conducting trainings and forums for Gagauz politicians and officials.
It's only begining
The meeting, however, had more than just a “humanitarian” rationale. The American ambassador arrived in the capital of the autonomy, Comrat, for the first time since Victory Day on May 9. This year, preparations for the holiday, which was significant for the vast majority of Gagauz people, came with a scandal.
On the eve of the holiday, the authorities of the Republic of Moldova banned the St. George ribbon, accusing the symbol of military valor of promoting violence and aggression. In Gagauzia, this sign has even greater significance, since St. George is considered the patron saint of this people. Deputies of the People's Assembly (local parliament), in defiance of Chisinau, allowed residents of Gagauzia to go to the Victory March with St. George ribbons on their chests.
The law would not have come into force without the Bashkan’s signature, and Irina Vlah promulgated it after waiting several days. This did not stop Chisinau from repealing the law through the courts, and the People’s Assembly, on the night before the holiday, adopting an alternative resolution to allow ribbons and still holding Victory Day on Gagauz terms. Although Vlah formally supported the aspirations of the people, she went to the holiday without a St. George ribbon, like the members of her government - the executive committee of Gagauzia.
Thus, despite the promulgation of the law “On the Symbols of the Great Victory,” Vlah sent a kind of signal to Western partners about her personal understanding of the goals, objectives - and with whom Gagauzia should be friends.
Logsdon's visit demonstrates that this signal was received. The split in the Gagauz elites over the St. George ribbon was seen and assessed correctly, and Washington will continue to be active in the region.
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