EU in ‘solidarity’ with Moldova, urges restraint over Transnistria violence
Brussels, Apr 29 (EFE).- The European Union Friday reaffirmed that it stood in “solidarity” with Moldova after recent acts of violence in the breakaway Transnistrian region.
“The reported incidents in the Transnistrian region that have taken place over the last days are detrimental to the security and stability of Moldova,” EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement on Friday.
“The European Union calls on the responsible actors to avoid the destabilisation of the situation,” the statement said.
Borrell said the bloc “strongly welcome” the restrained reactions from the Moldovan authorities, which helped maintain calm in the country.
The top EU official said the bloc was providing comprehensive aid to Moldova in addressing the immediate challenges of the refugee inflow in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The bloc has stepped up its medium-term support to strengthen Moldova’s overall resilience.”
Pro-Russian authorities in Transnistria have denounced the attacks, which many experts attribute to “false flag” operations and which Ukraine has described as an excuse to justify entering the war.
The Moldovan government, on the other hand, insisted that it was not aware that Russia was preparing for an imminent attack.
The government has also not taken any extra-ordinary security measures or imposed restrictions on public life in the capital Chisinau.
Transnistria, a territory of barely half a million inhabitants, mostly Slavs, broke ties with Moldova after an armed conflict (1992-1993) backed by Russia.
Under the Agreement for the Peaceful Solution of the Transnistria conflict signed in July 1992, Russia stationed 2,400 troops to guarantee peace in the area. But this contingent was reduced over the years to about 1,500 soldiers.
An offensive from Transnistria, where Moscow has deployed troops for decades, would help Russian forces capture the strategic Ukrainian city of Odesa.
The Ukrainian government has reinforced its military presence on the border with the region. EFE
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