Regional

Moldova Protests Russia Drills in Breakaway Transnistria

The Joint Control Commission (JCC) convened in Bender on Thursday in response to a protest lodged by the Moldovan government against recent Russian military exercises conducted at peacekeeping mission posts.

The Moldovan delegation called for the dismantling of illegally installed checkpoints erected by the unrecognised armed forces of Transnistria.

JCC members emphasised the need to dismantle these checkpoints, arguing that they hinder the free movement of citizens and violate the established security zone regime. The Moldovan government delegation further pointed out that the exercises conducted by the Russian peacekeeping contingent violated the documents governing the joint peacekeeping mission on the Nistru River and had not been approved by the commission.

Regarding the request from the Tiraspol administration to establish a new peacekeeping mission post, the Moldovan delegation firmly rejected the proposal, citing its prior rejection in 2012. Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Serebrian, speaking at a government meeting the previous day, alleged that the purpose of the exercises was to generate panic and social unrest.

The security zone along the Nistru River is patrolled by 15 joint peacekeeping mission checkpoints staffed by contingents from Russia and Moldova, alongside Transnistrian paramilitaries and Ukrainian observers. Two days prior to the JCC meeting, Russian troops conducted drills simulating the repulsion of attacks on these checkpoints.

The Moldovan government has previously petitioned the UN for the unconditional withdrawal of the Russian military and the transformation of the peacekeeping mission from a military to a civilian force. The Council of Europe considers Transnistria to be an occupied region. Russia pledged 25 years ago to evacuate its ammunition and military presence from eastern Moldova.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Read more

Alarming surge in malaria cases in Ethiopia
International

Alarming surge in malaria cases in Ethiopia

Malaria has reached epidemic proportions in Ethiopia, where more than 300,000 cases are being recorded every week. According to the WHO, since the beginning of the year, 8.4 million infections have been recorded in the country, the highest number of cases ever reported in a single year.

Maia Sandu about Russian missiles crossing the territory of the Republic of Moldova: These actions violate international law
Political

Maia Sandu about Russian missiles crossing the territory of the Republic of Moldova: These actions violate international law

President Maia Sandu condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine’s energy system launched on Wednesday morning, as well as the illegal crossing of missiles on Moldova’s airspace. In a message on the X platform, the head of state said that Russia’s actions clearly violate international law.

The magic of winter holidays. Moldovans queued up to receive and send parcels abroad
Social
Video

The magic of winter holidays. Moldovans queued up to receive and send parcels abroad

With love and longing, thousands of Moldovans abroad send parcels with goodies to their families at home during this period. On the eve of the winter holidays, transport companies come to Chisinau with minibuses full of gifts. But they also return to European destinations with traditional dishes. The Moldovans we met while sending parcels to relatives abroad told us they included gifts: wine, fruit and sweets, so they could have a celebration like at home.