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☆ Biden admin says RT and Russian state media are waging covert information warfare around the world
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Dan De Luce | Dan De Luce Is A Reporter For The Nbc News Investigative Unit. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

“RT wants its new covert intelligence capabilities, like its longstanding propaganda and disinformation efforts, to remain hidden,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters. On Friday, State Department officials sought to highlight Russia’s information operations around the world. Through proxy media outlets that purport to be independent, Russia is disseminating information to back its invasion of Ukraine, officials said. The Biden administration is imposing sanctions on a state-funded broadcaster that oversees the RT outlet, TV-Novosti, another state media company, Rossiya Segodnya, and its director Dmitry Kiselyov, officials said. Russian state-funded media was also targeted for sanctions for allegedly funneling money into Moldova under the guise of humanitarian aid “to buy votes to influence the upcoming Moldovan elections,” officials said.

Persons: Antony Blinken, ”, James Rubin, Rubin, RT, Biden, Rossiya Segodnya, Dmitry Kiselyov, “ Organizations: RT, Ukraine, State Department, State, Global, Department, Novosti Locations: South America, Europe, Africa, U.S, Ukraine, America, Russian, China, Russia, Germany, Berlin, France, Paris, Argentina, Moldova, Washington

☆ Andrew Tate’s defamation lawsuit against human trafficking accuser can proceed, judge says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (AP) — A judge says controversial social media personality Andrew Tate’s defamation lawsuit against a Florida woman who accused him of imprisoning her in Romania can move forward, but he threw out Tate’s allegations against her parents and some allegations against the woman. Romanian officials indicted the Tates last year, saying the brothers forced seven victims into pornography and subjected them to physical violence. Her attorneys say the lawsuit is in retribution for her reporting him to authorities. Curley dismissed the Tates’ accusations that the woman’s parents defamed them when they told American diplomatic officials about their daughter’s allegations. Attorneys for the Tates and the woman each said Curley’s decision was a win for their side.

Persons: —, Andrew Tate’s, Joseph Curley, Tristan, Curley, ” Curley, Joseph McBride, Judge Curley’s, Andrew, Tristan Tate’s, ”, Dani Pinter, Andrew Tate Organizations: Circuit, Associated Press, Tate, National Center, Sexual, Britain, Prosecutors, YouTube, Facebook, BBC Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Florida, Romania, Palm Beach, American, Moldovan, Great Britain, United States, Britain

☆ Ukraine, Moldova and the EU begin formal negotiations. But neither country will join the bloc soon
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Luke Mcgee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X: “Congratulations to Moldova and Ukraine on opening accession negotiations. This is very good news for the people of Ukraine, Moldova, and the entire European Union. There are 35 chapters in total, all of which must be agreed by all negotiating parties, including the 27 EU member states. Expanding the bloc to the east of Europe will have consequences for the rest of the EU member states. Perhaps more importantly, accepting Ukraine and Moldova to the bloc would mean adding around 40 million new EU citizens from Eastern Europe.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, Viktor Orban, Orban Organizations: CNN, European Union, Soviet, EU, Ukraine Locations: Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Hungary, Hungarian, Moldovan, Transnistria, Europe, Poland, Eastern Europe, Western

☆ Two beluga whales evacuated from Ukraine arrive in Spain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Two beluga whales have been rescued from the besieged city of Kharkiv in Ukraine and taken to an aquarium in Valencia, Spain, in a complex operation. A multinational team involving marine mammal care experts from Oceanogràfic de Valencia, the largest oceanarium in Europe; Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta; and SeaWorld were involved in the high-risk journey. The pair of belugas – a 15-year-old male named Plombir and a 14-year-old female called Miranda – arrived in “delicate health” Tuesday evening after a “grueling journey,” according to Georgia Aquarium. “The city is facing increasing threat from artillery fire, which has intensified in recent weeks, with bombs dropping within a few hundred meters of the aquarium,” Georgia Aquarium said in a press release. The journey began Monday when the team first removed the whales from Ukraine’s NEMO Dolphinarium and drove them 12 hours from Kharkiv to Odesa.

Persons: Oceanogràfic de, Miranda –, Ukraine’s NEMO Dolphinarium, “, ”, Keith Yip Organizations: CNN, Oceanogràfic, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld Locations: Kharkiv, Ukraine, Valencia, Spain, Oceanogràfic de Valencia, Europe, Georgia, Atlanta, Ukraine’s, Russia, Russian, Odesa, Moldova, Moldovan, Chisinau

☆ Witness in Menendez trial describes setting up mortgage payment and consulting job for senator’s girlfriend-turned-wife
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Sabrina Souza | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Menendez and Hana – as well as the other co-defendant, New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes – have pleaded not guilty. Moldovan said Nadine Menendez was “upset and offended” that Hana had a lawyer formalize the loan with a promissory note. Moldovan testified that he rarely did anything without Hana’s approval. Nadine Menendez never signed the IS EG job agreement, according to Moldovan. On cross-examination, the senator’s attorney, Avi Weitzman, asked Moldovan if Nadine Menendez ever mentioned she was dating the senator, to which he testified she did not.

Persons: CNN — Sen, Bob Menendez’s, New Jersey Democrat’s, Menendez, –, Wael Hana, Menendez’s, Hana, Fred Daibes, Hana –, Fred Daibes –, Nadine, John Moldovan, Nadine Menendez, “, Avi Weitzman, Daibes, CNN’s Gregory Krieg Organizations: CNN, New, FBI, State Department, EG, Moldovan, Strategic International Business Consultants Locations: New Jersey, New York, Egyptian American, Qatar

☆ Loan or Bribe? Menendez Jurors Hear About $23,568 Mortgage Payoff.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Tracey Tully | Benjamin Weiser | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Senator Robert Menendez’s soon-to-be wife dropped a lot of names during a 2019 meeting she held with a lawyer who later paid off the delinquent mortgage on her Englewood Cliffs, N.J., home, saving it from foreclosure. But Mr. Menendez’s name was not one of them, the lawyer, John Moldovan, testified on Tuesday in the second week of the senator’s federal bribery trial in Manhattan. Mr. Moldovan said he was later instructed by his boss, Wael Hana, the owner of a New Jersey-based halal meat certification company, to pay $23,568.54 to a lender that held the mortgage on the home owned by Nadine Menendez, who married the senator in 2020. Mr. Hana never brought up the senator’s name either, Mr. Moldovan testified. “Never mentioned his name once to me,” Mr. Moldovan said during cross-examination by Mr. Menendez’s lawyer, Avi Weitzman.

Persons: Robert Menendez’s, John Moldovan, Moldovan, Wael Hana, Nadine Menendez, Hana, “, ” Mr, Menendez’s, Avi Weitzman Locations: Englewood, N.J, Manhattan, New Jersey

☆ Moldova Is a Cautionary Tale for Ukraine - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Paula Erizanu | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

But it would clearly involve freezing the conflict, resigning Ukraine’s occupied territory to Russia in exchange for an end to the fighting. A small western neighbor of Ukraine, Moldova experienced Russia’s first post-Soviet war of aggression, which ended with a cease-fire agreement in 1992. The case shows that Russia simply cannot be trusted. Anyone calling for Ukraine to settle for one should heed Moldova’s cautionary tale. Russia stopped providing Moldova with gas, leaving people in cities to freeze in their apartments and cook their food outside on bonfires.

Persons: Pope Francis, Ukraine’s, Russia’s Organizations: Russian Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Moldovan, Russian, Transnistria, Moscow

☆ Russia seems to be using its Ukraine playbook to destabilize another European state, experts warn
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewSome of Russia's recent behavior in parts of Moldova has some experts sounding alarm bells, warning some of it looks similar to destabilizing activities before the invasion of Ukraine. Russia has accused Ukraine of drone striking a military base in Russian-occupied Moldova as pro-Russian figures seems to be actively destabilize the Moldovan government from within. Leading up to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the government fought Russian separatists in the Donbas region. They eventually helped secure territory in the region for Russia, which later illegally put them under Russian control. AdvertisementAnd Moldovan officials recognize the danger as Russia increases pressure.

Persons: —, Maria Zakharova, Alexander Shcherba, DANIEL MIHAILESCU, ISW, Putin, Mihai Popsoi Organizations: Service, Business, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Supreme, for, Moldovan, Russian 14th Army, Getty, Ukraine, country's Intelligence, Security Services, AP Locations: Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Moldovan, Moldova's Transnistria, Transnistria, Russian, Washington, Chisinau, AFP, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Donbas

☆ France and Moldova to Sign Defence and Economic Accords on Thursday, Paris Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS (Reuters) - Moldova and France will sign defence and economic cooperation accords during a visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Paris on Thursday, the French presidency said in a statement. Western powers are seeking to increase support for Moldova amid what they fear are increasing efforts by Russia to destabilise Moldova. In parallel to Sandu's visit, Western states will hold an audio call hosted by France to discuss increasing support for Ukraine, but also Moldova. To Ukraine's west, fellow former Soviet republic Moldova has a tiny defence budget and has long had tense relations with Moscow. It added that a defence cooperation agreement and a road map for cooperation in the economic field would be signed during the visit.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Macron, Sandu, John Irish, Kevin Liffey Organizations: PARIS, Moldovan, European Locations: Moldova, France, Paris, Russia, destabilise Moldova, Ukraine, Soviet, Moscow, Transdniestria, Republic of Moldova, Moldovan, European Chisinau

☆ Russia can't reach a pro-Russian region in Moldova easily — but there are ways it can cause trouble
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Mikhail Svetlov/Getty ImagesMoscow is continuing its saber-rattling over the pro-Russian region of Transnistria in Moldova, and analysts are saying that while Russian authorities would find it hard to physically reach the breakaway region to annex it, there are still ways it can stir up pro-Russian unrest — and trouble for Moldova. All U.N. members consider the region to be part of Moldova, which has expressed a desire to reintegrate the region. Similarly to Ukraine, Moldova has a pro-Western government and wants to join the European Union. Problematically for Russia, Moldova and Transnistria are landlocked, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. CNBC has asked the Kremlin to comment on concerns that Moscow could look to destabilize Moldova and is awaiting a response.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Svetlov, Russia, Problematically, it's, Ian Bremmer, doesn't, Maia Sandu, Putin, Sergei Lavrov, Abdoulaye Diop, Maxim Shipenkov, Lavrov, Bogdan Tudor Organizations: Getty, Moldovan, Kremlin, Russia's Defense Ministry, European Union, Eurasia Group, Gazprom, Western, CNBC, Foreign Affairs, Cooperation of, Reuters, Russian, West, RIA Novosti, Google, Russian Federation, Institute for, EU, Afp Locations: Kremlin, Moscow, Russian, Transnistria, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Moldovan, Romania, Cooperation of Mali, Reuters Russia, Central Asia, USSR, Sochi, Donetsk, Luhansk, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Georgia

☆ A breakaway region in Europe is asking Russia for protection. Here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Christian Edwards | Anna Chernova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

No country officially recognizes Transnistria, where Russia has kept a steadily dwindling military presence for decades, now standing at around 1,500 troops. Before Wednesday, the congress’ most recent meeting was in 2006, when it passed a referendum calling to join Russia. When Transnistrian politicians unexpectedly announced a new meeting, analysts suggested this could lead to fresh calls for unification with Russia. Russia’s war in Ukraine has had a profound effect on Transnistria’s economy. Minzarari said the dispute had created opportunities for Russian authorities to “fish in troubled waters.”Why is Russia interested in Moldova?

Persons: Vladimir Putin, ”, Daniel Voda, “, Maia Sandu, Dumitru Minzarari, ” Minzarari, Minzarari, Gen, Rustam Minnekaev, Lenin, Anton Polyakov, Putin, Vadim Kranoselsky, ” Ben Dubow Organizations: CNN —, European Union, Kremlin, Novosti, Moldova’s, Transnistria’s, Deputies, Russia, Moldovan, Russia’s, Ministry, CNN, EU, Carnegie Endowment, International, Baltic Defense College, Military Region, Institute for, RIA Novosti, Center for Locations: Moldova, Transnistria, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Moscow, Soviet, Moldovan, Russia, Tiraspol, Odesa, Maj, Kherson, Russian, US, Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kyiv, Transnistrian

☆ Estonia thwarts ‘shadow war’ attack, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tells CNN
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Jim Sciutto | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Estonia has thwarted a Russian-directed influence operation on its territory, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has told CNN. The Estonian Internal Security Service arrested 10 individuals, including both Russian and Estonian nationals. “There’s a shadow war going on against our societies,” Prime Minister Kallas told CNN. “The aim of Russia’s influence operations is to influence our democratic decision making. The Kremlin is also directly involved in shaping Russian influence operations in neighboring countries, according to Presidential Administration documents leaked last year.

Persons: Kaja Kallas, Kallas, ” Kallas Organizations: CNN, Estonian, Estonian Internal Security Service, ”, Intelligence, SVR, Administration, Moldovan, NATO, European Union Locations: Estonia, Russian, Russia, –, NATO, Europe, Baltic States, Moldova

☆ Second Man Jailed in Moldova's 'Fraud of the Century'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - A Moldovan court jailed a banker for 10 years on Monday, the second man to be sentenced in connection with the ex-Soviet state's "fraud of the century" in which $1 billion was removed from the banking system and taken out of the country. The country's anti-corruption prosecutor announced the sentence handed down on Viorel Birca in connection with the 2014-2015 fraud on charges of mass fraud and "acting in the interests of a criminal group". Moldova's Constitutional Court subsequently outlawed a political party bearing his name. The fraud case continues to reverberate in Moldova's politics a decade after the events. Moldova's parliament last month dismissed central bank chief Octavian Armasu for failing to act to recover the money lost in the scandal.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Birca, Ilan Shor, Shor, Maia Sandu's, Vlad Plahotniuc, Octavian Armasu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Stephen Coates Organizations: Moldovan, Journalists, Prosecutors, Banca de Economii, Birca Locations: Soviet, Moldova, Israel, Northern Cyprus

☆ Moldovan Negotiator Rules Out Moscow Role in Solving Separatist Issue
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian made his comments on national radio as Moldova's pro-European government pressed ahead with its drive to secure European Union membership. "Returning to that format for a peaceful settlement depends on improved relations between Moscow and Kyiv," he said. Prime Minister Dorin Recean on Saturday announced in a video presentation that Cristina Gherasimov, previously foreign ministry secretary of state, would serve as European integration minister and chief negotiator in negotiations on EU membership. Gherasimov will also head a new European Integration Bureau dedicated to proceeding with those talks. Her appointment, and that of new Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi, followed the resignation last week of Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Oleg Serebrian, Serebrian, Maia Sandu, Russia's, Transdniestria, Dorin Recean, Cristina Gherasimov, Gherasimov, Mihail Popsoi, Nicu Popescu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Leslie Adler Organizations: European Union, European Affairs, EU, Saturday, Integration Bureau Locations: Russian, Russia, Ukraine, United States, Moscow, Kyiv, Romania, Moldova

☆ Moldova Denounces New Russian Ban on Fruit Imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Dec. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, ANSA, Maia Sandu, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters Locations: Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Russian

☆ Moldova denounces new Russian ban on fruit imports
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCHISINAU, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Pro-European authorities in Moldova on Friday dismissed as groundless a ban imposed by Russia on imports of its fruit and vegetables, the latest display of deteriorating relations between Moscow and the ex-Soviet state. Russia's farm goods oversight agency, Rosselkhoznadzor, said on Thursday it was reinstating restrictions last imposed in 2022. It cited "continuous, systematic observation of elements subject to quarantine" and said Moldovan authorities had taken no action to right the situation. "The decision by the Russian authorities contradicts phytosanitary principles and is in no way grounded in real arguments," it said in a statement. We ship to 28 countries," Iurie Fala, Executive Director of the Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, told Reuters.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Charles Michel, Valentyn, ANSA, Sergei Lavrov, Lavrov, Fala, Alexander Tanas, Ronald Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: European, REUTERS, Rights, Moldovan, European Union, Moldovan Fruit Producers Association, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet, Romania, Russian

☆ Zelenskiy praises Ukrainians for battles with Russia and the weather
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Ukrainian servicemen move past a burning car hit by a kamikaze drone outside the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine November 8, 2023. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said relentless, intense battles were ongoing in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv, while "extremely challenging weather" was affecting areas from Kyiv region in the north to Odesa in the south. In Russian-controlled territory, Oleg Kryuchkov, a senior Moscow-installed official, said nearly half a million people were without power in Crimea, the peninsula Russia annexed in 2014. Ukraine's border service said Moldova had temporarily suspended vehicle access to its territory from two crossing points in Odesa region. Moldovan authorities also asked local schools to consider closing due to snowfall and high winds.

Persons: Nuzhnenko, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's, Zelenskiy, Oleg Kryuchkov, Henadii Trukhanov, Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Alexander Tanas, Elaine Monaghan, Alexander Smith, David Gregorio Our Organizations: servicemen, Radio Free, Radio Liberty, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Odesa, Thomson Locations: Avdiivka, Ukraine, Donetsk region, Radio Free Europe, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Moscow, Crimea, Russia, Sevastopol, Kherson, Moldova, Odesa region, Chisinau, Washington

☆ Russia vows retaliation over Moldova decision to join EU sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The state flag of Moldova (L) flies outside the country's embassy in central Moscow, Russia December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsMOSCOW, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Russia views Moldova's decision to join EU sanctions against it as a hostile step aimed at destroying ties with Moscow and will retaliate, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday. Among its provisions are regulations concerning action to be taken against individuals and institutions subject to sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of trying to oust her in a coup. Moscow denies the allegations and says Sandu is infusing anti-Russian sentiment in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania.

Persons: Maxim, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Maxim Rodionov, Andrew Osborn, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, EU, European Union, Moldovan, Maia Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, of Europe, European Commission, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Moldova, Moscow, Russia, Russian, Moldovan, Chisinau, Ukraine, Venice, Romania

[1/6] Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets with President of the European Council Charles Michel, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 21, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European Council chief Charles Michel warned on Tuesday that a European Union meeting next month to decide whether to begin formal accession talks for Kyiv would be difficult. I think this is the decision which will help Ukraine to believe that there is justice...," Zelenskiy told reporters. "All these are big challenges for everyone and already not only for Ukraine, but a challenge for preserving the unity of the European Union," he said. "It will be a difficult meeting but I do not intend to give up," Michel said, adding that the world needed a strong European Union to ensure stability and prosperity.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Charles Michel, Michel, Maia Sandu, Zelenskiy, Michel's, Sandu, Boris Pistorius, Tom Balmforth, Yuliia Dysa, Dan Peleschuk, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: European, Presidential Press Service, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Union, Zelenskiy, Moldovan, European Union, Kyiv, ACT AS ONE, EU, German, IRIS, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Soviet Moldova, Brussels, Soviet Moscow, Crimea

☆ Russia Bars Moldovan Nationals, Summoning Ambassador
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - Russia barred entry to a number of officials from Moldova on Monday and complained about moves by its pro-European government to block Russian media outlets ahead of local elections earlier this month. A Russian foreign ministry statement said Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darie was summoned to be told of the decision. Moldovan foreign ministry spokesperson Igor Zaharov told Moldova-1 television that the government stood by protecting its media from interference regardless of Moscow's moves. Moldovan news outlet newsmaker.md said the Russian list barred 11 parliamentarians -- all members of Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity. Ahead of the election, Moldova suspended licences and barred access to 30 media sites - some based in Russia, others in Moldova - on grounds of spreading disinformation.

Persons: Maia Sandu's, Lilian Darie, Igor Zaharov, Zaharov, newsmaker.md, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Reuters, European Union, Moldovan, European Party of Action Locations: Russia, Moldova, Soviet, Russian, Moscow, Moldovan, Ukraine, Chisinau

☆ Moldovan president's allies score well in local polls
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sandu warned before the election that pro-Russian forces in the country, particularly fugitive business magnate Ilan Shor, had funnelled money into Moldova to "buy" voters. Shor's allies were barred from running two days before the first round and he complained from exile in Israel that the ruling had cost him electoral success. An independent won in Comrat, a town in the south where one of Shor's allies had won a regional vote earlier this year. Ion Ceban, running under a party he founded, was re-elected mayor of the capital Chisinau in the first round, though the president's supporters suggest he may hold pro-Russian sympathies. Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Will DunhamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Maia Sandu, ZAK BENNETT, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Ilan Shor, Shor's, Ion Ceban, Igor Grosu, Shor, Arina Korsicova, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Will Dunham Organizations: USAID, Democracy, Ford Foundation Center, Social Justice, 78th United Nations General, Rights, Sunday, European Union, Sandu's Party of Action, Solidarity, Socialist Party, PAS, Constitutional, The Organization, Security, Cooperation, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Rights CHISINAU, Moldova, Russian, Ukraine, Romania, Israel, Moldova's, Balti, Russia, Comrat, Calaras, Chisinau, Europe

☆ Fugitive Moldovan Businessmen Returns to Israeli Base, Interpol Says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

☆ Fugitive Moldovan businessmen returns to Israeli base, Interpol says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Fugitive pro-Russian Moldovan businessman Ilan Shor, accused of "buying" voters to sway an election in the ex-Soviet state, has returned to his exile base in Israel, an Interpol official said on Sunday. Tentiu had earlier said that Shor left Israel on Nov. 6. Moldovan officials accused Shor of channelling the equivalent of 50 million euros ($53.5 million) into Moldova for "buying" voters. Tentiu said all Interpol member-states had been asked to report if he was on their territory. Russia dismisses Sandu's allegations and accuses her of waging an anti-Russian campaign and infusing an anti-Russian atmosphere in Moldova.

Persons: Ilan Shor, Viorel Tentiu, Shor, Tentiu, Maia Sandu's, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Interpol, Moldovan, Constitutional Court, European Union, Moldova, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russian Moldovan, Soviet, Israel, Moldova, Ben Gurion, Ukraine, Moscow, Romania, Russia

☆ France Links Conversation in Russian to Star of David Graffiti
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Aurelien Breeden | More About Aurelien Breeden | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

The Moldovan pair told investigators that they had acted on the orders of a third party in exchange for payment “as evidenced by a conversation in Russian on their phone,” Ms. Beccuau said. Telephone data led investigators to believe that both couples “were in contact with the same third party,” Ms. Beccuau added. France has reported over 1,100 antisemitic acts since Oct. 7. orchestrated the painting of swastikas and antisemitic slogans in West Germany to spark anti-Jewish sentiment and tarnish the country as neo-Nazi, he said. “Stars of David are part of it, too.”Ivan Nechepurenko contributed reporting from Tbilisi, Georgia.

Persons: David, Laure Beccuau, Beccuau, Ms, “, ”, Olivier Véran, Laurent Nuñez, Mr, Nuñez, ” Dimitri Minic, Minic, ” Antibot4navalny, Ivan Nechepurenko Organizations: Moldovan, Foreign Ministry, French Institute of International Relations, Nazi Locations: Paris, Europe, Israel, France, Moldova, Gaza, Russia, West Germany, Ukraine, “, Moscow, Russian, Tbilisi , Georgia

☆ Bittersweet goodbye for Gaza doctor as family leaves enclave
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Palestinian doctor Mohammad Abu Namoos, who chose to stay in Gaza to treat patients, says goodbye to his family before they leave the strip, amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, at Rafah border crossing, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, November 7, 2023. Namous' family, who hold Moldovan citizenship, are among hundreds of Gazans with foreign passports being permitted to leave to Egypt through the crossing, the only way out of the besieged Palestinian enclave that does not border Israel. The entire Gaza Strip is unsafe. "Of course, I am getting them out, but I myself will be staying in the Gaza Strip. Abu Namous' daughter, Dina, said she felt both excited and sad at the prospect of leaving.

Persons: Mohammad Abu Namoos, Abu Mustafa, Mohammad Abu Namous, Namous, Abu Namous, Zahra, U.N, General Antonio Guterres, Dina, Arafat Barbakh, Ibraheem Abu Mustafa, Imad Creidi, Deepa Babington, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: REUTERS, Moldovan, Reuters, Palestinian, Hamas, Health, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Rafah, Egypt, al

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