Moldova demands that Russia withdraws its soldiers and weapons from Transnistria
The Republic of Moldova is demanding that Russia comply with its international obligations and withdraw its troops and weapons from Transnistria, reported the press service of the ruling Democratic Party in Moldova after a speech by the party leader Vlad Plahotniuc at the Council Meeting of Socialist International in New York.
“At this forum I would like to recall the legitimate demands of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova: We insist that Russia complete the withdrawal of their troops and weapons from the territory of our country. I remember that this decision [on the withdrawal of troops] was adopted at the OSCE summit in Istanbul in 1999. I am convinced that it is in New York, where the UN headquarters is located, that we can once again express our position in the hope that we will be heard and supported,” said Plahotnuic.
The leader of the Moldovan Democrats also reminded his listeners that Moldova insists on replacing the Russian peacekeepers in the security zone on the Dniester River with a team of international civilians, who will monitor the situation.
A small group of Russian troops (about 1,600) is stationed in the territory of the unrecognized Transnistria, and more than 20,000 tons of ammunition are stored at military depots in the village of Cobasna in the area of Rîbniţa.
The Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica (PMR) declared its independence in 1990. However, no UN member state recognizes the TMR as a sovereign state. The “authorities” of the republic have repeatedly asked Moscow to incorporate it as part of Russia. For example, in 2006, a referendum was held in the republic, where 97.2% of local residents voted to join Russia, but the vote was recognized as legitimate only by Russia.
In July, Moldova closed the roads for cars with Transnistrian registrations. In case of non-compliance, drivers risk losing their vehicles.