PM asks authorities to ensure informing, protection of Moldovans from Turkey

Chisinau, 16 July /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip today summoned an emergency meeting on the situation in Turkey, emerged following violent actions from late 15 July, early 16 July, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

Attending the meeting were representatives of the Foreign and European integration Ministry, Interior Ministry, Transport and Roads Infrastructure Ministry, Civil Aviation Authority, Tourist Agency, Security and Intelligence Service of Moldova, as well as other authorities.

The prime minister demanded that the structures in charge in crisis situations ensure the informing and protection of the Moldovan citizens and promptly meet their demands. At the same time, Pavel Filip instructed mobilization of the staff of the Ankara-based embassy and general consulate from Istanbul to provide needed assistance to Moldovans from Turkey.

‘’The priority No 1 for us represent Moldova’s citizens staying in Turkey now. At the same time, we are in full summer season, we should see how can we help also those who intend to travel to this country in the near future. We will keep a crisis cell at the Foreign Ministry, in order to try to protect and help Moldova’s citizens,’’ the PM said.

The cell crisis, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Lilian Darii, was set up last night and has a permanent working character. The authorities are prepared to ensure, if necessary, a free of charge documentation of citizens and identify possibilities to evacuate them. Official data shows that there are over 6,000 Moldovan citizens in Turkey now.  

At present, the Istanbul-based Ataturk Airport fully resumed its work. At the same time, the Turkish Airlines company cancelled its flights scheduled today on the route Chisinau-Istanbul. The passengers who asked to quickly reach the destinations benefitted from re-routing and the others were offered accommodation at hotel. The rest of the flights were not affected and the flights are operated according to the schedule set.

At the same time, the prime minister conveyed condolences to the Turkish government for the victims recorded and a message of sympathy for those who suffered and their relatives.

Over 260 persons died in the wake of violent actions from Turkey, concentrated in the cities of Istanbul and Ankara.

Moldova’s citizens who are in Turkey may call, if needed, the Moldovan Embassy in Ankara (tel.: +90 5348923694; +90 312 4465527) or the Istanbul-based General Consulate (tel.: .: +90 5350254276; +90 212 251 72 64).  

At the same time, the citizens from Moldova who need to ask for assistance or can provide information on people from Turkey, may call the Call Centre of the Foreign and European Integration Ministry, at the phone number: : 080090990; 022 788 688 or at e-mail:  [email protected].  

(Editor A. Raileanu)