Moldova protests Russian exercises in Transnistria
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova expressed discontent with Russian diplomats concerning recent exercises conducted by Russian troops in the territory of Transnistria.
On 18 August, the Ministry gave a statement indicating that the exercises are "illegal, provocative and inadmissible." The statement notes that the exercises are focused on "undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Moldova.
The Ministry reiterated Chisinau’s demand that Russia withdraw its troops and suggested the replacement of the current peacekeeping mission with a civil one with an international mandate.
This is the second time this month that exercise are being carried out in Transnistria with the participation of separatists and Russian troops.
Russia has maintained about 1,000 servicemen in Moldova since the ceasefire agreement was signed in 1992 after a short bloody conflict between separatists and Moldova. 1,500 people died as a result of the conflict.
In 1999 Moscow agreed to a full withdrawal of its troops by 2002 but despite repeated calls from the Moldovan Government, Russia has failed to comply with the agreement.