Moldova reiterates illegality of Russian troops on territory

Chisinau, 16 May /MOLDPRES/- Moldova disputes the invocation of the 1992 Agreement and reiterates the illegality of Russian troops’ presence on its territory. The subject was raised by Ambassador of Moldova to Austria Victor Osipov at a Security Cooperation Forum (FCS).

The diplomat reiterated that the task force of Russian troops is illegally on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and should be withdrawn unconditionally along with the weapons and ammunition stocks.

The head of the Moldovan mission in Vienna noted that the Russian side has been applying for this quirk for many years, showing the Peace Agreement of July 21, 1992, in the section asking for explanations regarding the military forces of a state on the territory of another OSCE participating state, which induces an absolutely false perception. Osipov said that the text of the document does not see any statement that could be interpreted as accepting the foreign military presence. Moldova makes a clear distinction between the Russian military contingent within the peacekeeping mechanism existing in the Security Zone on the one hand and the military forces and ammunitions illegally staying on its territory, on the other hand.

Osipov reminded that last time the need for unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunitions was laid down by the UN General Assembly Resolution adopted on 22 June 2018. Previously, the Russian Federation has taken this commitment by signing the OSCE Summit Declaration in Istanbul.

The diplomat asked to be set down in the FCS meeting journal that it is unacceptable to invoke the 1992 agreement in the reports on the Russian military presence in Moldova.

Attending the forum, the Russian military affairs delegation announced that Moldova’s request will be communicated to the Russian capital.