PM says Moldovans demand respect, Moldova to no longer kneel

The Republic of Moldova has nothing against the Russian language and culture; it prioritizes the national interest. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has made statements to this effect on the decision to close the Russian Cultural Center in Chisinau. This decision today was brought to the knowledge of Ambassador of Russia Oleg Ozerov, who was summoned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), after two Russian drones flew over Moldovan airspace and exploded on the country’s territory.

The PM emphasized that the Russian institution was occupied with matters other than promoting the Russian language and culture and its employees were Kremlin influence agents.

"That was not a cultural center, but a center with influence agents. I want to tell those who protest so strongly that Moldova has nothing against the Russian language and culture, but it prioritizes national interest. What is very important is that Russia respects the Republic of Moldova and Moldovans and does not send influence agents," Recean said at a show on Jurnal TV.

The prime minister also stressed that the today's decision was an important step and could have been made even earlier. Russia must respect the Republic of Moldova, Recean said while commenting on the summoning of the Russian ambassador at MAE.

"They must understand that Moldovans demand respect and that the Republic of Moldova will no longer kneel. Those who today defend this so-called Russian center went to Moscow, knelt and received directives to act against the country. Today, we took a step that I admit we should have taken earlier, which is closing this center of Russian influence in Moldova and we will continue to defend the interests of our citizens and our country," said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ruled to unilaterally terminate the Moldova-Russia intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centers, concluded in 1998. After the finishing of procedures, the Russian Cultural Center is to cease its activities in our country. This decision was taken today by the MAE and communicated to the accredited ambassador of the Russian Federation after several Russian drones fell on the territory of Moldova.