ISTANBUL: The Moldovan parliament through a vote on Thursday approved the holding of a national referendum on joining the EU and a presidential election on the same date later this year. A statement issued by the parliament said the referendum, scheduled for Oct. 20, will ask citizens if they 'support the amendment to the Constitution with a view to the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union?' The parliament also voted to hold a presidential election at the same time, which was approved by 56 lawmakers of the 101-member house. Moldovan President Maia Sandu announced the referendum's plan on joining the EU late last year. In December, Sandu asked the parliament to begin preparations for a referendum on joining the EU and announced that she would seek reelection to the presidency in 2024. 'We still have important steps to take and I am committed to continuing if you give me the confidence for a new mandate in 2024,' she said. In the same month, the EU said accession negotiations with M oldova had begun, opening the door for the country to join the 27-member bloc. Source: Philippines News Agency
