Just be thankful that you're not a Moldovan. Many articles seem to preface its content with the claim that Moldova is Europe's poorest country. Whether this causes whoops of delight in Albania, I don't know,but this BBC article explores some of the familiar problems of people trafficking and organ selling. It also reports the unlikely local newspaper headlines that the country is to start the process of joing the EU.
Then there's the perennial problem of Transdniestr, which never quite seems to be resolved. Radio Free Europe reports that Vladimir Putin cancelled a visit to the country amidst controversy over yet another plan that many opposition leaders feel may lead to the destruction of the state and an increase in Russian influence
I wasn't aware that Moldova forms part of the Coalition of the willing in
Iraq, which must give George W Bush a great many restful nights. Moldova Azi reports that one of its soldiers has been wounded in an engagement with unidentified paramiltary forces.
And some good news finally:- the next time you tuck into some canned fruit and vegetables, you're twice as likely to be eating Moldovan produce as last year. Oh good.
