The Parliament’s commission on foreign policy and European integration approved the nomination of Lilian Darii for the post of Moldova’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation.

The post fell vacant on August 9 after the Government recalled Vladimir Golovatiuc from Moscow. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration reacted after the press reported that Vladimir Golovatiuc sexually harassed a female employee of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Moscow. Vladimir Golovatiuc denied the accusations, saying the PAS government recalled him because they wanted to replace him.

Vladimir Golovatiuc’s predecessor Andrei Neguţa was removed after anabolic steroids were found in a diplomatic vehicle on a service mission on the Moscow – Chisinau – Moscow route.

Lilian Darii was deputy minister of foreign affairs in the Government of Pavel Filip. He also served as Moldova’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxemburg and in charge of relations with NATO. His candidacy was accepted by the Russian authorities.

Earlier, the press reported that Lilian Darii is the cousin of President Maia Sandu. Contacted by IPN for details, the press service of the Presidential Office said there are no ties between President Maia Sandu and diplomat Lilian Darii. “This information is not true”.

The Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representatives, Envoys and Chargé d’Affaires (Permanent) are appointed and recalled by the President of the Republic of Moldova, at the proposal of the Government. Proposals for appointment to these positions or concerning dismissal from them are submitted to the Government by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, in consultation with Parliament’s commission on foreign policy and European integration.