Around 600, 000 out of 4.3 m Moldovans are now estimated to be working abroad, mostly illegally.

ECONOMIST: The land that time forgot

EU's farm protection, say the Moldovans, they might be able to sell 70% of their stuff there.

ECONOMIST: Europe's failed state

But after the August war, the Moldovans fear, rightly, that this might be done only on Russian terms.

ECONOMIST: Russia's western neighbours

Six Romanians, five Moldovans and one from the Czech Republic scaled the perimeter fence and fled at about 2100 BST.

BBC: Security boost at asylum centre

The realisation that one can live with just one kidney has prompted many Moldovans to go abroad voluntarily to make a quick buck.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Trafficking troubles poor Moldova

Russia has threatened trade sanctions and a visa regime for Moldovans in a row over Trans-Dniester, a region populated mainly by Russians and Ukrainians which broke away from Moldova in 1992.

BBC: Soldiers queue to cast their vote in Chisinau, Moldova

To survive, Moldovans have left the country in droves.

ECONOMIST: Europe's failed state

Nor did most of Italy's Filipinos and Moldovans.

ECONOMIST: Sometimes what does not happen is the real news

Most Moldovans gave the idea their approval, but the turnout was so low that it may be hard for Mr Lucinschi, who was once a member of Mikhail Gorbachev's Soviet Politburo, to have his way constitutionally.

ECONOMIST: Moldova