VIDEO // Moldovan deputy PM for reintegration comments to accusations made by secretary of Russia's Security Council

The Moldovan authorities aim to identify a peaceful solution for the country’s reintegration, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri today made statements to this effect, in the context of statements made by Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergei Shoigu on alleged threats to citizens of the Russian Federation in the Transnistrian region.

Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Chiveri described the Russian official’s statements as “distorted”.

“These statements misrepresent the situation in Moldova, in the context of the Transnistrian settlement, a process that we see only through a peaceful solution. Thus, I reiterate that our country’s position is very clear. We aim to identify a peaceful solution to the reintegration of the country, based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, within internationally recognized borders,” said Valeriu Chiveri.

The official emphasized that the military presence of the Russian Federation in  Moldova was illegal.

“Our country has constantly advocated for the withdrawal of these forces. We are well aware of the commitments undertaken by the Russian Federation in Istanbul to withdraw its military forces illegally stationed on the country’s territory, something that has not happened to this day,” Valeriu Chiveri underlined.

He also said that, at present, the 1+1 format was the only communication format in the Transnistrian settlement process.

“This format is a traditional one; it did not appear overnight or in the recent period. Presently, it is the only communication format in the Transnistrian settlement process, alongside the Joint Control Commission and the sectoral working groups,” said Valeriu Chiveri.

In An interview given with the Russian media on April 21, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Sergei Shoigu said that “the security of Russian citizens in the Transnistrian region is allegedly under threat, and Moscow will take all measures to protect them.” The Russian official also claimed that “the pro-European authorities of Moldova have allegedly intensified pressure on the region.”

The Moldovan Foreign Affairs Ministry rejected Sergei Shoigu’s statements and described them as “groundless”. The Moldovan authorities stressed that “the security situation throughout the country is stable, and the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of citizenship or region, are fully respected and guaranteed.”