Moldovan premier says quite clear elements stay at basis of Russian diplomats' expulsion

Chisinau, 31 May /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip, in the beginning of a today’s cabinet meeting, said that many were speculating on the decision to expel five Russian diplomats from Moldova. Yet, there were quite clear elements which were at the basis of these decisions.   

“We did not want to take such a measure; we did not want to get to this situation; yet, the national interest was at stake. There were very clear elements which stayed at the basis of these decisions.  And all these elements deal with the state’s security,” the prime minister said.    

The official noted that Moldova wants good relations with Russia, yet based on mutual respect. “I ask those who speculate on this subject to collect facts,” PM Filip said.  

The Foreign and European Integration Ministry declared persona non grata five Russian diplomats, whose names were not made public officially. Subsequently, Ambassador of Russia to Moldova Farit Mukhametshin confirmed that the Russian diplomatic mission had received a note referring to those five diplomats.    

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor L. Alcaza)