“The statements of Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu do not reflect the real situation in Moldova. Chisinau insists on a peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, and considers the presence of Russian troops on the territory of the country illegal.” The Moldovan authorities reported this on April 22, commenting on the words of Sergei Shoigu that Moscow, if necessary, is ready “by all means” to protect Russian citizens in Transnistria.
What Shoigu said
Shoigu claims that “the Moldovan authorities, with the support of the EU, are trying to oust the operational group of Russian troops (OGRG) from the region.” According to him, “attempts to resolve the Transnistrian issue militarily and replace Russian peacekeepers with Western forces will lead to negative consequences for Moldova.”
He added that Russia “if necessary, will use all available methods to protect its citizens in Transnistria in accordance with the Constitution,” transmits RIA Novosti with reference to an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda.
Position of the Reintegration Bureau
The Reintegration Bureau denied these claims in a comment to NewsMaker.
“These unfounded allegations do not reflect reality and form a distorted perception of the situation in the Transnistrian region. Chisinau is firmly committed to finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” the department said.
The department emphasized that the presence of the OGRF in Moldova is illegal and contrary to Russia’s international obligations, including the decisions of the 1999 OSCE summit in Istanbul on the withdrawal of troops and disposal of ammunition in Kolbasna.
The Bureau called Shoigu’s statements provocative, “unacceptable and regrettable.”
“We condemn attempts to mislead society, exert pressure and distort the principles of international law. The constitutional authorities will continue to make every effort to reintegrate the country exclusively through peaceful means,” the Bureau emphasized.
Deputy Prime Minister’s response
Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiver emphasized that Shoigu’s words distort Moldova’s position.
“Our position is clear – searching for a peaceful solution for the reintegration of the country based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova. The presence of the Russian military in Moldova is illegal,” Kiver clarified.
Reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova also rejected statements about alleged threats to Russian citizens in Transnistria.
“The authorities fully respect and guarantee the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of citizenship. Moldova remains committed to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian issue,” the department said.
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Let us recall that on April 17, the Bureau of Migration and Asylum confirmed to NewsMaker that since the beginning of the year, 76 foreign citizens have been recognized as undesirable persons. Among them are members of “unconstitutional military formations.”
According to Zona de Securitate sources, the list included OGRF commander Dmitry Zelenkov, his deputies Dmitry Opalev, Sergei Mashenko and Sergei Shirshov, chief of staff Marat Yarulin and Alexey Bogomolov.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs told NewsMaker that information about recognizing members of the OGRF as persona non grata does not correspond to the legal framework. The department explained that the authorities assign the diplomatic status of persona non grata only to accredited diplomats. “These individuals do not have accreditation or diplomatic status,” the ministry emphasized.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu confirmed the information on Jurnal TV and said that if these persons end up on the Right Bank of the Dniester, they will be asked to leave the country. If they remain in Transnistria, they will not be able to freely travel outside its borders.
Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiver explained that the decision of government agencies demonstrates a serious approach to the need to withdraw these troops from Moldova, and is also a “psychological signal” for other military personnel who serve in the country illegally.
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