Moldova warns Russian ambassador Ozerov over false statements
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Moldova has requested the accredited Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Oleg Ozerov, to stop propagating false and manipulative statements that may go beyond the diplomatic conduct defined by the Vienna Convention.
This request follows statements made by the Russian diplomat on a Russian radio station, in which he claimed that the economic situation of the Republic of Moldova is dependent on its trade relations with the Russian Federation.
The MFA states that these claims represent "a serious distortion of reality," given that over 65% of Moldova's exports are destined for European Union countries, while only 3.7% are sent to the Russian Federation.
According to the Ministry's press office, the diplomat also commented on our country's neutrality, but "Russia is the only state that has consistently violated our constitutional neutrality by stationing Russian troops on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, against the will of our state."
The Ministry further clarifies that the Republic of Moldova will not tolerate attempts to spread disinformation or undermine the truth. "The accredited ambassador is urged to strictly observe diplomatic norms and focus on real solutions for the benefit of citizens in both countries, not on propaganda," the Ministry's statement adds.
Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, stated that the new Russian Ambassador to Chișinău was confirmed in his position after Moldovan authorities had verified his actions. However, Ozerov is still to be accredited by President Maia Sandu.
The appointment of the new Russian ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, regarded as an expert in executing "hybrid offensive" strategies for Moscow's benefit, is viewed as a sign of dangerous escalation by the Russian Federation, potentially leading to further efforts to destabilise the situation in the Republic of Moldova, said foreign policy expert Mihai Isac on the "ÎN CONTEXT" program on Moldova 1.
It is worth noting that the former Russian Ambassador to Chișinău, Oleg Vasnețov, was dismissed from his position on September 10 by a decree issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was replaced by Oleg Ozerov, who has held various positions in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, France, and since May 2020, has served as ambassador for special missions and head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Economic Forum.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
