The European Parliament recognizes the Bessarabian Metropolis as a victim of Soviet repression. The corresponding provision is contained in the resolution voted on Thursday, October 5, by which MEPs ask the Council of the European Union to approve the start of accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau Radio reported on Friday.

“The European Parliament takes into account the fact that the Orthodox Bessarabian Metropolitanate, abolished by the Soviet authorities as a sign of revenge, was officially recognized in 2002 by the decision of the European Court of Human Rights; recognizes the Orthodox Metropolis of Bessarabia as a victim of Soviet repression,” the press release of the European Parliament states.

On Thursday in Strasbourg, the European Parliament adopted a resolution confirming its commitment to the future accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and demanding the start of negotiations with Chisinau by the end of the year.