The accusations made against some of the former defense ministers by the current minister Pavel Voicu are based on gossip. The statement was made by Vitalie Marinuța, former defense minister, at a IPN press conference, in which he responded to Pavel Voicu's accusations.
"Pavel Voicu’s accusations are not supported by facts, but are based on gossip," Vitalie Marinuța said.
"Since he implies that Minister Marinuța possesses a weapon, I want to tell you that it is correct. This is the TT pistol which has engraved the name Vitalie Marinuța on it, as well as the date of its being issued. It is perfectly legal as specified in my income statement, it is not hidden, it is declared to the police, I have certified”, said Vitalie Marinuța.
Vitalie Marinuța also mentioned that he was accused by Pavel Voicu that, during his tenure as minister, he awarded several military degrees. "In four and a half years, we have conferred hundreds of military degrees. But every degree awarded by me personally was well justified”, Vitalie Marinuța declared.
He also referred to the accusations of selling weapons from the Army’s arsenal. Vitalie Marinuța said that the Military Prosecutor's Office has conducted a comprehensive investigation into this matter and found that the transaction was perfectly legal and economically beneficial for the Republic of Moldova. "The military equipment to be merchandised by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the representative forum of the citizens, has been lying since 2001 under the fence of military units, because everyone is afraid," Vitalie Marinuța said.
The former minister also states that he hopes that minister Pavel Voicu is not influenced by Igor Gorgan, General Staff Commander who, according to Vitalie Marinuța "decimated the National Army during 2014-2015".
Also, Vitalie Marinuța says that, despite their differences, he is willing to contribute with his expertise in dealing with National Army issues.