Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador to the country to protest against Moscow’s decision to open several polling stations in Transnistria during the Russian presidential election.
As Russia’s presidential elections approach, Moscow has decided to open several polling stations in the separatist region of Transnistria. The decision aroused the anger of the Moldovan authorities, who on Tuesday summoned the Russian ambassador.
“The Moldovan state acts where it can control the environment and therefore will not tolerate violations on the territory controlled by constitutional authorities. As I already said, the protest note was given to Ambassador Vasnetsov. And, I repeat, everyone must respect the Moldovan state and therefore the citizens of the Republic of Moldova“, said Romanian Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of Moldova.
The Russian ambassador claims that this decision was taken at the request of Transnistria.
“Numerous requests were sent to the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as the embassy. People asked to exercise their legal right to vote“, said Oleg Vasnetsov, Russian Ambassador to Moldova.
On March 17, the main voting day, six polling stations will open in Transnistria for the 200,000 Russian citizens who reside in this region. The disagreement between Moscow and Chisinau concerns the number of these polling stations. Moldova only wanted one: inside the Russian diplomatic mission.
This incident occurs in a tense context between the two countries. A few days ago, the Transnistrian authorities requested Russia’s protection from Moldova.