A number of people living in the apartment building situated at 41/1 Mihai Eminescu St in Chisinau said they sustained damage as a result of a fire that happened in an apartment rented by an employee of the Embassy of Romania in Moldova. According to them and the owner of this apartment, over half a year has passed since the fire occurred, but the situation hasn’t been remedied.

In a news conference hosted by IPN, apartment owner Corneliu Chelnakov said that his apartment has been rented by the Embassy of Romania to base its economic section there. As a result of a large-scale fire on April 1, 2023, the apartment was 98% destroyed. Besides, the stair was also damaged and eight neighbors were affected. The glass windows in the apartments of some of these broke.

Corneliu Chelnacov noted that a number of out-of-court examinations were carried out so as to hasten the procedures. The damage was assessed at €800,000-900,000. Under the contract, the conflict was to be mediated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. But responsibility is shifted. Diplomatic immunity is invoked and no interest in mediating the conflict is shown.

“The woman who rented the apartment, in a press release for the Romanian press, said that she enjoys immunity. But this does not allow her to cause damage to private individuals and legal entities and not to bear responsibility,” stated Corneliu Chelnakov

Alexandru Shendrea, who heads the dwellers’ association, said he considers the blame is borne by the woman who rented the apartment. It is regrettable that the dwellers have to look for her as if they are to blame for what happened. That woman should admit guilt and a consensus should be reached.

Neighbor Mihai Barkanov noted that the apartments situated nearby were also affected. They had to pay considerable sums for examinations. “The winter is coming, while the windows are broken. Things are delayed probably due to the unwillingness to remedy the problem. But things should be hastened and this issue should be solved as swiftly as possible,” he stated.

Dweller Galina Moraru said that after the fire they mobilized and cleaned up as the smell was unbearable. But the problem remains unsolved yet as extensive repair works are necessary.

Note: IPN News Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements made by the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.