Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu responded on Thursday to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s accusations that Romania was trying to “annex” Moldova, saying Russia is “desperately” trying to change Moldova’s EU path.
On Thursday, the Romanian government issued a statement claiming Russia’s “aggressive” propaganda distorts historical facts and ignores present realities and must be countered by all available means to ensure Moldova’s EU integration.
“Russian authorities are desperately trying to divert Moldova from its European path through disinformation,” Ciolacu said, urging Moldovan leaders to stand firm and not be “intimidated” by such tactics.
The statement followed Zakharova’s remarks on Wednesday, where she levelled several accusations against Chisinau and Bucharest, claiming that Romania is trying to “annexe” Moldova.
Historically, the territory of present-day Moldova was part of Romania during the inter-war period. Today, the two nations have close ties, and Moldova’s official language is Romanian – points often used by Moscow to claim that Bucharest has ambitions to “annexe” Moldova.
“Romania stands shoulder to shoulder with Moldova in pursuing the European dream,” the Romanian prime minister added.
On Wednesday, during a press briefing, Zakharova gave a lengthy statement on the “situation in Moldova”, reiterating her usual criticism of Moldova’s pro-European leadership as the country prepares for the presidential election due on 20 October, the News.ro agency reports.
Comme on Ciolacu’s visit to Chisinau on 4 October, she said “The Romanian prime minister encouraged Moldovan leaders to ensure their citizens ‘clearly understand that Moldova’s future is in the EU’.”
“But why the hesitation? He should have just said: not in the EU, but in Romania. That’s what they want,” she added.
She also quoted Ciolacu as saying Russia would “lead Moldova into isolation and poverty,” sarcastically adding, “We see how prosperous the European Union is.”
Moldova’s desire to join the EU reflects its choice for stability, prosperity, and a community of shared values and principles—things Russia continues “to violate by attacking its neighbours through conventional and hybrid means, in blatant disregard for international law,” Ciolacu replied.
Zakharova also announced that the Romanian consulate in Rostov-on-Don had been notified of its closure as of 14 October, a decision Moscow took at the end of last year.
In response, Elena Lasconi, leader of the USR party and presidential candidate, called for Romania to close the Russian Consulate General in Constanta.
“Russian drones are falling on Romanian soil, Russia is closing our consulates without cause. Romania must react. The Romanian government must defend the country’s interests and citizens by making firm decisions against actors who attack our territory and undermine our diplomatic efforts,” said Lasconi.
(Catalina Mihai | Euractiv.ro)
Source: euractiv.com
