The security of Ukraine and Southern Europe depends on the security of the Republic of Moldova, Minister of Defense Anatol Salaru said in the talk show “Place for dialog” on Radio Moldova channel, IPN reports.

“Moldova’s security is not something that exists out of the context of the European security. Moldova’s security is threatened by the Russian Federation. If Russia strengthens its position in the Republic of Moldova, the security of Ukraine and even of Turkey will be in danger,” said the minister.

Anatol Salaru also said that Moldova does not have the capacity to defend itself in case of aggression, but signed no relevant accord to protect it. “We are alone. We should review this matter. We can sign an agreement with NATO, but this is not within the competence of the Ministry of Defense,” he stated.

The minister noted that he is for Moldova’s entry into NATO, but will comply with the wish of the majority. “The people believe that NATO means army. The accession to NATO means first of all economic accession. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization will not accept a country where US$1 billion was stolen from the banking system. Personally, I’m for entry into NATO, but if they insist on neutrality in a referendum, I will comply with the wish of the majority,” he said.

Anatol Salaru stated that Moldova is not a neural state in reality. “De jure, it is neutral because the neutrality is enshrined in the Constitution. De facto, our state is not neutral. For it to be neutral, the Russian army should be withdrawn, the Transnistrian army should be liquidated and the Government of Moldova should control the whole territory,” said the minister.