(ANSA) - MOSCOW - The liberal party left the pro-European ruling coalition in Moldova and joined the opposition since the mayor of Chisinau, Dorin Chirtoaca, nephew of the Liberal leader Mihai Ghimpu, is under house arrest, being accused of influence peddling in contracts to build a parking lot: this was reported by Ghimpu himself, who said the mayor's arrest was ''political''.

''This arrest has not the goal to fight corruption - Ghimpu said - but it's a political order. They say they fight corruption but actually they are fighting the liberal party.

This party was a anticommunist party, in favour of truth and prosperity. But they don't like us because we are in favour of a union with Romania''.

The liberal leader has announced that three ministers who are members of his party will resign on Monday. The liberal party currently has 11 seats over 101 in the Moldovan parliament. The ruling coalition risks losing House majority, being only supported by 41 MPs. (ANSA).