Russia denies accusations of disrespecting Moldova’s sovereignty

The holding of elections for the State Duma of the Russian Federation in Transnistria, in which only Russian citizens residing in the region may participate, does not vitiate in any way the recognition by the Russian authorities of the territorial integrity of Moldova, the Russian Embassy in Chisinau said in a communique. The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation invokes the laws operating in the country which guarantee to all Russian citizens, no matter their location, the equal right to take part in the elections, without any discrimination. We truly believe that our laws do not run counter to international treaties that Russia is party to, the communique reads. According to the rules of international law, any place were military troops are stationed has a status of extra-territorial location. Therefore, the allegations that the opening of Russian polling stations on the territory of Transnistria would be a defiance of Moldova’s sovereignty are erroneous, the Russian Embassy pointed out. In Chisinau, Russian eligible voters are expected to take part in the polls in the premises of the Embassy from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Information about the poling stations in the Transnistrian region, at the places of stationing of the Russian troops, is published by the region’s media, the diplomatic mission informs.