Russian officials and their Moldovan allies discussed the EU accession referendum to be held in October at a conference in Moscow, referring to an “annexation” by Romania.
Former and current Russian officials discussed in Moscow with the Chisinau opposition and other guests, including from the Transnistrian region and ATU Gagauzia, about an “annexation” of Moldova by Romania at a conference entitled “In Moldova or in Romania: Will Moldova remain on the map in 2025?” reports Free Europe Moldova.
Socialist MP Bogdan Țîrdea, fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor and the Bishop of Balti and Fălești, Marchel Mihăescu, were among the guests. The event was organized by the Institute of CIS countries, headed by Konstantin Zatulin, which takes a special interest in Moldova.
The motivation behind the event was precipitated by the argument that “Russia cannot remain indifferent” to the course of “subjugation” of Moldova by the European Union and NATO and its “annexation” by Romania.
Zatulin also claimed at the conference that Russia is “willy-nilly” involved in the “fate of the Moldovan people,” expressing concern for Russia’s interests since they are “in danger” due to Moldova “distancing itself” from Russia under “pressure from the West.”
The European Union decided to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova on Dec. 14, 2023.
Participants at the conference claimed that the architect of the annexation is the leadership of Romania and Moldova’s pro-EU administration.
The parliament of the Republic of Moldova has approved the draft law which provides for holding the constitutional referendum on the country’s accession to the European Union on Oct. 20, at the same time as the presidential elections.
