Romanian diplomacy condemns the press release of the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the pro-Russian secessionist region of Transnistria, in the east of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the threatening and provocative rhetoric used. Moscow speaks of Transnistria as being part of Russia and threatens to retaliate militarily if Ukraine sends troops to that region. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, the intentional propagation of information that has no correspondence in reality represents an extremely dangerous approach, in the current security context, in which the Russian Federation is intensifying its war of aggression against Ukraine. This attempt to artificially create tension and destabilization in the region and in relation to the Republic of Moldova is unacceptable. The Romanian MFA calls for responsibility, for abandoning aggressive, escalating and provocative rhetoric, as well as for refraining from any statements and acts that may affect the stability of the region and of the Republic of Moldova. Transnistria de facto came out of the control of the central authorities after an armed conflict that resulted in hundreds of deaths and was ended by the intervention of Moscow’s troops on the side of the secessionist rebels in 1992, not even a year after Chisinau proclaimed its independence. About 1,500 soldiers and important Russian arsenals are believed to still be there.
Eugen Cojocariu, Radio Romania International
