Romania's MFA says decision to expel two Romanian diplomats from Moldova is unfounded

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania expresses its concern over the Moldovan authorities’ decision to declare two employees of the Romanian Embassy as personae non-gratae. The Foreign Ministry describes the act as inimical, unjustified and incompatible with Romania’s permanent constructive and cooperative attitude towards Moldova, a communique from the Ministry say. The Romanian Foreign Ministry analyses the measures that are dictated by such a gesture, but understands that this issue should be treated in a European, transparent and responsible manner, in the interests of the citizens of the two states. Romania will continue promoting the European destiny of the Moldovan people. In protest against such an unexpected and astonishing gesture, the Romanian Ambassador refused to accept the Verbal Note, the communique says. On December 12, the Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Filip Teodorescu was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova and familiarised with a Verbal Note by which two diplomas of the diplomatic mission were declared unwelcome in Moldova and asked to leave Moldova within 24 hours. The Moldovan officials made reference to article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. On the same day, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry summoned Moldova’s Ambassador to Romania Lidia Gutu to Chisinau for discussions.