The request to institute diplomatic parity with Russia is irresponsible and nonprofessional, said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Vlad Batrîncea, who heads the parliamentary group of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists, referring to PAS MP Adrian Cheptonar’s request to consider the possibility of reducing the number of Russian diplomats in Moldova. Vlad Batrîncea said this issue is within the remit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not of MPs, IPN reports.

MP of the ruling party Adrian Cheptonar asked that the Cabinet should consider instituting diplomatic parity with Russia. The Deputy Speaker said such a request is irresponsible and not the number of Russian diplomats in Moldova should be reduced, but the number of Moldovan diplomats in Russia should be increased.

“For an MP and a statesman, such a statement is irresponsible and fully nonprofessional. This is a populist statement. We must increase the personnel units at our embassy in Moscow. I paid an official visit to Moldova and later had a meeting with Minister Popescu and informed him that 40 Moldovan diaspora organizations in Moscow, hundreds of thousands of citizens called on Chisinau to raise the number of personnel units as our people cannot reach the consulate for months. The telephone line is unavailable. We must increase the personnel units in Moscow and take care of our citizens as these citizens cover a part of the country’s economy. They are those who send money home,” Vlad Batrîncea stated in the program “Résumé” on RliveTV channel.

Moreover, the Socialist heavyweight noted that he participated without remorse in the reception given by the Embassy of Russia on the occasion of Russia Day. As the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, he is obliged to accept the invitations issued to him.

“Yes, I attended the reception on Russia Day and on June 29 will attend the reception given by the U.S. Embassy on the occasion of the Independence Day. Last week, I had meetings with the ambassadors of Bulgaria and Hungary. In times of crisis, of war, the political dialogue is even more important. In times of war, the role of diplomats is bigger and communication is necessary. It is my obligation as an MP to take part in all the embassy events to which I’m invited. If I do not accept the invitations, it means I ignore that country,” said Vlad Batrîncea stated.

Earlier, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu confirmed that they are examining the option of using diplomatic parity with Russia. This means that Moldova will accredit the same number of Russian diplomats as the number of Moldovan diplomats accredited in Russia. At present, the ratio is of six Moldovan diplomats to 40 Russian diplomats.