The European Union’s head of diplomacy and the Moldovan prime minister this Tuesday deplored recent statements by the Russian foreign minister about the alleged plans of the West, with Josep Borrell accusing Sergei Lavrov of being intellectually discredited.
At a press conference at the end of a meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council in Brussels, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, and Natalia Gavrilita, General Director of Chisinau, were confronted with last Thursday’s accusation by the head of Russian diplomacy that the West wants to transform the former Soviet Republic of Moldova “into the next Ukraine”even if we are talking about plans to integrate the country into NATO or even be absorbed by Romania.
“It is a pity that Mr. Lavrov, who was once a respected diplomat, continues on this path that discredits him intellectually. There is nothing serious about these considerations.”Borrell just replied.
That is what the head of government of Moldova has said These statements by Minister Lavrov are alarming and do not take into account the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, which, like any other country, must decide its own fate.
“The citizens of Moldova said at the ballot box which direction they wanted for our country, they decided on our development model and they said they wanted the European way. Their will must be respected and we must carry out their political will,” he said.
“We will do everything we can to preserve peace and stability in our country and we believe that such statements violate international law and Moldova’s right to self-determination.”he concluded.
Josep Borrell opened the press conference noting that this was already the seventh meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council, but underlined that it had a special symbolism as it was the first not only since Moldova officially obtained the status of candidate country for accession received the EU bloc, but also the first since, almost a year ago, Russia began its military aggression against Ukraine, on February 24, 2022.
“We really appreciate your incredible solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,” he said, noting in particular that “Moldova plays a crucial role in the EU’s ‘solidarity corridors’, helping Ukraine’s agricultural exports and Ukrainian economy to reach the world market.”.
“Without you, this would be much more difficult, if not impossible. Thank you for that,” he said, addressing Moldova’s prime minister, who he also thanked for welcoming tens of thousands of refugees from neighboring Ukraine.
For her part, Natalia Gavrilița expressed her country’s openness to continue receiving refugees and guaranteed that Chisinau “will continue to ensure the functioning of the “solidarity corridors” and provide humanitarian aid”, thanking the EU for its support, mainly in terms of energy supply, as Moldova was one of the countries most affected by the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
The two officials also expressed their overall satisfaction with Moldova’s progress in the reforms needed in the EU accession process, particularly in the areas of the judiciary and the fight against corruption.
“We know that the European Union’s integration process is intense, demanding and time-consuming. Each country is judged on its own merits and will progress at its own pace. But after this meeting, I can safely say that the future of Moldova and its citizens is clearly within the European Union,” Borrell concluded.
Source: DN
