American Embassy denies claims of Moldovan editorialists regarding „interests” of certain American officials in Pasat case

The United States Embassy expresses its concern regarding recent allegations in the Moldovan media that the Embassy's 17 February statement regarding the Pasat case amounted to interference in Moldova's internal affairs or was intended to damage Moldova in some way, according to the statement of the US Embassy in Chisinau. „ Moldova has no better friend than the United States. We were one of the first countries to recognize Moldova’s independence and establish an embassy here. Since that time we have been the largest bilateral assistance donor, providing over 665 million million in assistance since 1992,” the statement reads. This document says that the persons whom one editorialist labeled members of an alleged “Russia First” group in the U.S. State Department are all outstanding current or former American officials who have worked tirelessly to promote America’s national interests. While we appreciate the service of these individuals, none of them are directly involved in U.S.-Moldova relations at this time; nor did they have any part in the statement issued by the Embassy in regard to the Pasat case. „ As that statement made clear, we believe that the MiG transaction of 1997 was in the interests of Moldova as well as of the United States. We consider it appropriate to challenge assertions to the contrary, from whatever source, which might mislead readers to believe that the United States took advantage of Moldova in this transaction.” In the same day (1 March) US Embassy answered to a letter addressed by AP Info-Prim Neo to diplomatic American missions, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration RM, related to statements of the mission of 17 February. Both institutions were required to answer the following questions: 1. Did the Moldovan government reply to general reproaches, rather serious, especially, for diplomatic language? 2. which is the answer, if it exists and can contribute to decrease the concern of American diplomatic mission for the situation of the justice and human rights in RM? 3. What do you think about the lack of a reply, if it does not exist, especially taking into account the fact that in similar cases, related to the same case, Moldova’s government reacted promptly and univocal? 4. Which could be the impact on Moldovan-American reations of RM authorities, that provoked this concern of Us Embassy, in this context and taking into account the fact that the USA attention over the unfavourable situations in juridical field and human rights in RM? On the same day Aleisha Woodword, spokeswoman of the Embassy replied, “The Us Embassy cannot talk on behalf of Moldova’s government. If you want to find out more about the reaction of the government of Moldova and to our concern regarding the case of ex-Minister of defence Pasat we recommend you to contact Moldova’s government”. On Thursday morning, 2 March, Info-Prim Neo was informed by the ministry that the agency’s letter was sent to Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan.