Moldovan Communists Hold Anti-EU Rally

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WATCH: Thousands of Moldovans marched in Chisinau on November 23 against moving closer to the European Union. In a rally organized by the Communist Party, at least 5,000 people chanted antigovernment and pro-Russian slogans to protest their government's intention to initial an EU Association Agreement at a summit in Lithuania next week. (Video by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service)

Thousands of Moldovans have marched in the capital, Chisinau, against the country moving closer to the European Union.

In a rally organized by the Communist Party on November 23, at least 5,000 mainly elderly people chanted antigovernment and pro-Russian slogans to protest the Moldovan government's intention to initial an Association Agreement with the EU at a summit in Lithuania next week.

Communist leader and former President Vladimir Voronin said Moldova "should follow in Ukraine's footsteps" and halt talks with Brussels on closer cooperation.

On November 21, Ukraine announced that it would not sign an Association Agreement with the EU.

About 1,500 people attended a Communist-led rally at the main government building in Chisinau on November 22.

Moldova is one of six countries belonging to the EU's Eastern Partnership program.

Based on reporting by AP and ITAR-TASS