Russia is the only state that does not respect the neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. Moldova can solve many security-related problems if it joins NATO, Minister of Defense Anatolie Salaru said in the talk show “In Depth” on Pro TV Chisinau channel, IPN reports.

“The U.S. soldiers came to the Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau on May 9 to take part in a commemoration event. I said that we cannot rejoice on this day, but can only commemorate. It was no attack on the neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. The United States and NATO respect the neutrality of our country. Russia is the only country that does not respect our neutrality. It has maintained illegally its army on our territory since the Soviet period,” stated Salaru.

The minister noted that two types of Russian armies are deployed in Moldova – a legal one and an illegal one. “There are the peacekeeping forces that stay legally on our territory and there are forces that form part of the Russian operational group that stays illegally. We have always sought the pullout of the Russian army from Moldova. Igor Dodon is the one who forms part of Russia’s arsenal in the war against us. Moldova and Russia signed a peace agreement. We need a mission under the UN mandate and the 14th Army should be made to leave Moldova,” said Anatolie Salaru.

He also said that joining NATO is one of the solutions. “One of the goals we pursue is to equip our army with modern equipment, according to the NATO standards. The accession to NATO is one of the solutions. NATO can help us in case of a possible conflict with Russia,” he stated.