Novaia Gazeta: Chisinau May Cut Ties with Moscow because of Bucharest

Home / News / Novaia Gazeta: Chisinau May Cut Ties with Moscow because of Bucharest
Romania has prepared a new security strategy, according to which Russia is recognized as a hostile state. The Supreme Defense Council approved the draft strategy. Now it must be approved by parliament. The leader of the Social Democratic Party of the Republic of Moldova (RM), Victor Selin, told NG that in this case Chisinau will have to rectify its relations with the Russian Federation. The politician noted in case of regime change in Moldova relations with Russia will be severed, similar to Ukraine’s actions, ng.ru reports. This statement was made after the Romanian High Council of Defense, headed by President Klaus Iohannis, approved the draft national defense strategy for 2020-2024, the “Threats” section of which mentions Russia. “Building up military potential in the neighborhood of Romania, including on the eastern flank, respectively, on the border with NATO (militarization by the Russian Federation of Crimea, as a whole, the Black Sea basin, military exercises, capacity-building enabling offensive and defensive operations) creates serious challenges for strategic national interests, involving EU and NATO borders security and ensuring energy security and stability in the Black Sea region,” the document on the website of the Romanian Presidential Administration says. The draft, submitted for approval to parliament, said that such a situation could adversely affect Romania’s security. “The national security strategy for the next four years implies a new approach and offers management of national security issues with an emphasis on integrated risk and threat management. This is a global paradigm shift that takes into account events in the region, deteriorating relations between NATO and the Russian Federation, the spread of terrorism, hybrid and cyber threats, other challenges,” said Klaus Iohannis, whose assessment of the draft national security strategy is posted on the website of the Romanian Presidential Administration. Given the fact that Romania is a NATO member, including an article about Russia in the country’s draft security strategy is understandable. Designating Russia as an “enemy” fits into the North Atlantic Alliance policy. In addition, Russia and Romania differ in views on security problems in the Black Sea region, as well as on the future of Moldova. Moldovan politicians and political scientists point to this. The leader of the Social Democratic Party of the Republic of Moldova, Victor Selin, told NG: “Moldovan politicians are doing their own job. But all the commands are given to them by the CIA office in Bucharest - they are responsible for the Balkans. As well as the Romanian special services. Russia is being pushed out of the region.” A source close to the US embassy told NG that Russia is losing Transdniestria: “It has been agreed with the US that the Sheriff Corporation (considered to be the most influential and budget-forming in Transdniestria) can be shaken hands with and will not fall under Western sanctions.” Victor Selin explained, “The Russian factor in Transdniestria is becoming less significant. But the influence of the European Union is growing, which through Bucharest regulates export of Transdniestrian goods to European countries. The USA approves such an approach to RM. Power in Moldova may change. President Igor Dodon is losing the parliamentary majority and invites the right-wing parties to form an alliance with the pro-presidential Party of Socialists (today the ruling majority in the parliament is represented by socialists and democrats who join opposition parties. - “NG”). If right-wing parties come to power, Moldova’s relations with Russia will be put to an end, as happened in Ukraine.” Moldova has long been between the two gravity centers, said Anatol Taranu, director of the Chisinau Center for Strategic Research and Political Consulting Politicon, to NG. The expert commented on the situation, “I don’t think that the new Romania’s security strategy will have a dramatic impact on Moldova’s policies today. Moldova has long been between Romania and Russia and has adapted to the realities. But when Romania adopts a new security strategy, Chisinau will have to make adjustments in relations with Russia. Moscow will no longer play a leading role in the Republic of Moldova. Chisinau will no longer take into account the interests of the Russian Federation to the extent that it takes today. Especially if right-wing parties that are pro-European and NATO-oriented come to power in Moldova. In this case, Chisinau’s policy towards Russia will be seriously adjusted.” The expert noted that the following should be taken into account, “Moldova’s relations with the Russian Federation will continue, which will be driven by economic interests.” “But the embargo that the Russian Federation imposed earlier on our country has already reduced its economic dependence on Russia. And this gap will further deepen. True, traditional ties between people will remain, especially since Moldovans work in the Russian Federation,” Taranu concluded.