Moscow and Chisinau discussed Russian Weapons Export from Transnistria

Moldovan Defense Minister Pavel Voicu and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu discussed the issue of ammunition stored on the left bank of the Dniester. Defense Minister Pavel Voicu discussed the issue of ammunition stockpiled in the Transnistrian region with the American and Russian partners of Moldova, the head of the Ministry of Defense said at a briefing on Thursday, August 15. “Having visited the United States, where I talked about the situation with ammunition, I paid a visit to the Russian Federation, where I met with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu,” Voicu said. “The meeting was held in an atmosphere of complete openness, we discussed a number of topics, including inspection methods in Cobasna and the beginning of a dialogue on the evacuation or disposal of dangerous ammunition.” Russian side response is expected in late August. Voicu also reaffirmed his commitment to firmly uphold the neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. “As for the neutrality, we believe that there should not be a foreign army or other military units on the territory of the Republic of Moldova,” Voicu said, emphasizing that this problem, inherited by Moldova after the collapse of the USSR, should be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, the Minister of Defense specified that “the solution to the Transnistrian problem depends on political will.” The head of the Defense Ministry noted that the defense department successfully cooperates with international partners of Moldova, as well as with colleagues from neighboring countries, Romania and Ukraine. “We are a small country, and we are lucky that we are in good relations with our neighbors,” the minister said, pointing out that “it is necessary to start a dialogue with Russia.” According to him, the termination of the dialogue with the Russian Federation in 2010-2013 was artificial and was needed "to create a scarecrow and look good in front of someone." Sputnik.md