We appeal to Russia to stop illegal activities, resume withdrawal of military forces without delay, says Moldovan PM

Chisinau, 29 September /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, on Friday, 28 September, demanded from the UN tribune the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Moldova. In his speech in the general debates of the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations, the Prime Minister also referred to the military exercises by the Russian Forces Operational Group (GOTR) troops (which are staying illegally in Moldova), together with the unconstitutional paramilitary structures, to the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

"Today, once again, from this tribune, we appeal to Russia to stop these illegal and provocative activities and resume, unconditionally and without delay, the process of withdrawal of its military forces and armaments, according to the commitments assumed at the Summit of OSCE in Istanbul in 1999, and to comply with the obligations deriving from international law and the UN Charter," said PM.

Pavel Filip thanked the states that co-authored and supported a few months ago the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the resolution on the withdrawal of foreign armed forces from the territory of Moldova. "The General Assembly has unequivocally stated that the failure of Russia to comply with the norms of international law and the UN Charter has led to the open violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and consequently it must unconditionally withdraw completely and without delay its armaments and its military forces," specified the Prime Minister.

The head of the Government also welcomed the inclusion in agenda of the current session of the UNGA of a new point: "The complete withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova", which means keeping this subject in the attention of the international community. The PM said that the joint military exercises of GOTR, illegally stationed on Moldova's territory, with the unconstitutional paramilitary structures represent a continuous violation of the "Moldovan – Russian ceasefire agreement 1992", a document containing an express commitment of Russia on the strict assurance of the "neutrality of the Russian military forces" during their withdrawal from the territory of the Republic of Moldova.

The PM has claimed that the complete withdrawal of Russian troops will facilitate the process of settling the Transnistrian conflict and reintegration of Moldova. "Despite the difficulties that hamper the regulatory process, the Moldovan authorities are determined to identify, in negotiation format 5+2, a political solution to this prolonged conflict, generated from outside in the eastern part of the Republic of Moldova" underlined the Premier.

Pavel Filip also talked about the efforts of Moldova to achieve the Sustainable Development Objectives. In this respect, it was developed the Development Strategy Moldova 2030, in compliance with the international commitments, including the Moldova – EU Association Agreement. "By aligning ourselves with European principles and standards, by harmonising national and European legislation, we aim to bring the country closer to EU and ensure the sustainability of modernisation process," concluded the head of the Government.

Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, held a speech from the UN General Assembly tribune for the third time. The Republic of Moldova became a member of the United Nations on 02 March 1992.