Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in a telephone discussion expressed their concern about the increasing tensions following the concentration of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine. “The mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine within our internationally recognized borders remained unchanged,” stated Nicu Popescu, being quoted in a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.
The official reiterated the Moldovan authorities’ firm conviction that any violent action and threat with the use of military force go against the international law and norms, IPN reports.
In a telephone discussion with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, Nicu Popescu noted that the Republic of Moldova firmly supports the activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, to which the Republic of Moldova contributes significantly by deploying experts. “We continue to coordinate the actions with the partners and to closely monitor the security situation in the region,” said Nicu Popescu
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) was deployed on 21 March 2014, following a request to the OSCE by Ukraine’s government and a consensus decision by all 57 OSCE participating States. The SMM is an unarmed, civilian mission, present on the ground 24/7 in all regions of Ukraine. Its main tasks are to observe and report in an impartial and objective way on the situation in Ukraine; and to facilitate dialogue among all parties to the crisis.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Kiev attentively monitors the developments in Ukraine. At this stage, the Embassy and the Consular Office in Odessa work as usual,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. “In case of worrisome developments, our diplomatic mission has the necessary action plans. Permanent contact is kept with the Moldovans who take part in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine and with compatriots who contact the embassy for informational support.”
In the context of the security situation in the region, the Ministry reiterated the recommendation for the Moldovan citizens to follow authorities’ announcements and official information broadcast by credible sources. If need be, the Moldovan citizens can contact Moldova’s diplomatic representative office on the permanent hotline (24/7): +38 068 384 2016 or through the email address: kiev@mfa.gov.md.
