Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovski said the military exercises that take place in the Transnistrian region, on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, are a provocation and the authorities will always vehemently criticize such a practice. “We work with the OSCE and other bodies to promote our position,” he stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe that is quoted by IPN.

“We must say what we consider it is important for the Republic of Moldova and this position took shape when the resolution was adopted in New York on June 22 and this was a signal and a positive pressure on the Russian Federation, showing there is international solidarity on the issue. Yes, the resolution is not coercive, but is a signal that the UN supports the position of the Republic of Moldova and actually reiterates the previous commitment assumed by the Russian Federation in Istanbul in 1999, as to the resumption of the pullout of troops and munitions,” noted the minister.

According to him, a clear distinction should be made between the peacekeeping forces and the Operational Group of Russian Forces that are present on Moldova’s territory. The Operational Group is actually a remnant of the 14th Army of the Soviet Union. “The UN resolution makes a distinction between the two types of Russian forces and clearly underlines the necessity of withdrawing these troops and munitions,” stated Tudor Ulianovski.

He noted the relationship with the Russian Federation is multidimensional and develops at presidential, parliamentary, governmental, economic, social and other levels. “We want to have a constructive, pragmatic  and correct relationship with the Russian Federation, which would not affect the independence and national sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova,” noted the official.

The minister also referred to the foreign relations with Brussels and Washington, noting the Association Agreement with the EU does not run counter to the commitments assumed by Moldova within the CIS. The United States is ready to continue to support Moldova’s efforts to ensure good governance, to make progress on the path of European integration and to peacefully settle the Transnistrian conflict.