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☆ Moldovan president says Russia's Wagner head plotted coup against her -FT
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Moldova's President Maia Sandu addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 20, 2023. "Russia is going to increase its pressure on Moldova," Sandu told the FT. "They tried energy and they failed. Moldovans, she said, were entering the country with "bank cards that were issued in Dubai...they just distribute thousands of cards ...bank cards to people they wanted to bribe." Moldovan police on Friday said they had seized thousands of bank cards issued in Dubai due to be given to Shor's allies. "This is using bank cards instead of suitcases or black bags full of cash," Veronica Dragalin, head of Moldova's Anti-corruption prosecutors, told reporters.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Eduardo Munoz, Russia's Wagner, Sandu, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Prigozhin, Vladimir Putin, Ilan Shor, Shor, Veronica Dragalin, Ron Popeski, Alexander Tanas, Josie Kao Organizations: General Assembly, REUTERS, Financial Times, EU, Kremlin, Constitutional, PAS, Moldovan, Thomson Locations: New York City, U.S, Spain, Moscow, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, Russia, Russian, Transdniestria, Moldova's, Dubai ., Dubai, Chisinau

☆ Moldova Could Buy Russian Gas if Conditions Are Right -Officials
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova has not used Russian gas since late last year, but it is keeping open the option of buying supply from Gazprom if conditions are right, the head of the Russian gas giant's local subsidiary said on Tuesday. Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, has denounced Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine and has been beset by years of disputes that pre-date the war over payment for Russian gas. The rest of Moldova has been using gas from European suppliers bought through the state-owned gas and power company Energocom. Vadim Ceban, head of Gazprom subsidiary Moldovagaz, said purchases of Russian gas for the bulk of Moldova's territory are possible if the right conditions are met. But on Tuesday, he acknowledged that purchases of Russian gas were possible, subject to strict conditions.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Vadim Ceban, Ceban, Victor Parlicov, Parlicov, Transdniestria, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Tom Hogue Organizations: Gazprom, Moldovagaz, Energocom, Reuters, Moldovan Energy, Moldova, European Bank for Reconstruction Locations: Moldova, Gazprom, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Transdniestria, Moldovagaz, Energocom, Bucharest, Russia, Moscow

☆ Officials Urge Moldova to Seize Opportunity for EU Membership
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova launched a nationwide discussion on securing European Union membership, with senior officials and academics urging their compatriots to seize every opportunity to join the bloc or run the risk of being left behind or sinking into chaos. Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu launched the discussion on EU membership on Friday, saying that public participation "has a critical meaning in building a more prosperous future within the framework of the community of Europe". The Moscow-sympathetic opposition, thrown out of power by Sandu's landslide 2020 election victory, is sceptical about EU membership. Moldovans, their country wedged between Ukraine and EU member Romania, have proved enthusiastic. Sandu and other officials have suggested that Moldova should forge ahead with its EU membership bid and ignore separatist Transdniestria, much like Cyprus was allowed to join despite the Turkish occupation of its northern regions since the 1970s.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Maia Sandu, Nicu Popescu, Vlad Culminschi, Transdniestria, Sandu, Ron Popeski, Leslie Adler Organizations: European Union, Moscow's, Institute of Strategic Initiatives Locations: Moldova, Soviet Moldova, Ukraine, Sandu, Russian, Transdniestria, Europe, Moscow, Romania, Cyprus, Soviet Union

☆ Cash, Mules and Paid Protests: How a Fraudster Seized an Ethnic Enclave
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Andrew Higgins | More About Andrew Higgins | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Part of this, they say, was ferried in by “mules” on flights between Moscow and Moldova, often via Armenia. (Mr. Shor for a time controlled Air Moldova, the country’s now-insolvent national carrier.) They also uncovered hundreds of prepaid debit cards issued by a bank in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and large transfers from Russia to Moldova through an informal network. Mr. Tarnavsky said that he did not know the origin of the money used to support Ms. Gutsul’s election campaign, but added that Mr. Shor “is not a philanthropist,” so it was unlikely that he used his own cash to fund road or other projects that she had promised. These include “Gagauzland,” a theme park celebrating Gagauz culture that is supposed to open next year near Comrat.

Persons: Shor, Gutsul’s, —, Tarnavsky, Shor “ Organizations: Air Moldova, United Arab Locations: Moldova, Russia, Moscow, Armenia, Chisinau, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Comrat

☆ Restive Moldovan Region Finally Approves Executive
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Alexander TanasCHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldova's restive Gagauzia region, locked in an uneasy relationship for 30 years with central authorities in Moldova, endorsed the composition of its local executive committee on Wednesday, a key decision for national institutions. The Executive Committee was elected on the seventh attempt -- after new Bashkan Yevgeniya Gutul withdrew nominations for deputies approved by Shor. "I intend to work constructively with you," Gutul said after the executive line-up was approved. As part of her election campaign, Gutul pledged to open a diplomatic mission for Gagauzia in Moscow. Sandu has delayed including Gutul in Moldova's government -- as required by Moldova's constitution -- pending the outcome of investigations into her election with Shor's backing.

Persons: Alexander Tanas CHISINAU, Maia Sandu, Ilan Shor, Yevgeniya Gutul, Shor, Gutul, Sandu, Sandu's, Ron Popeski, Sandra Maler Organizations: Constitutional Locations: Moldova, Gagauzia, Russia, Moscow, Moldova's, Israel, Ukraine, Chisinau, Transdniestria, Russian

☆ Moldova puts its debt to Gazprom at $8.6 mln, Russian firm disagrees
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The former Soviet republic, nestled between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, used to buy Russian natural gas. But Gazprom and its Moldovan subsidiary said in late 2021 it had accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. Prime Minister Dorin Recean added: "After clarifications regarding the debt for natural gas, Moldova and citizens are not obliged to pay the corresponding bills." Parlicov said the auditors had not received documents from Moldovagaz and Gazprom to cover $276 million of the alleged debt. She has previously said that Moldova has no debts to Gazprom for natural gas.

Persons: Victor Parlicov, Dorin Recean, Maria Zakharov, Parlicov, Maia Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Vladimir Soldatkin, Anna Pruchnicka, Alexander Smith, Kevin Liffey, Ron Popeski, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Gazprom PAO, Gazprom, European Union, Romania, Moldovan, Moldova Energy, Foreign Ministry, Moldovagaz, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Russian, Soviet, Ukraine, Chisinau, Moldovagaz, Moscow

☆ Moldovan president says audit disproves $800 million Gazprom debt claim: report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Moldovan President Maia Sandu attends a press conference during a meeting of the European Political Community at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Moldova June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 3 (Reuters) - An audit carried out by an international firm has disproved Russian gas giant Gazprom's claim that the Moldovan government owes it $800 million, Moldovan President Maia Sandu was quoted as saying on Sunday. The former Soviet republic, situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, used to buy Russian natural gas. But in late 2021 Gazprom and its Moldovan subsidiary said it had accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars in debt which had to be repaid to ensure further stable supplies. Gazprom put the debt at $709 million a year ago, although the sum might have increased with the addition of interest.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Mimi, Vladislav Culiomza, Sandu, Moldova's, Ros Russell Organizations: REUTERS, Moldovan, Gazprom, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Bulboaca, Moldova, Soviet, Ukraine, Romania, Chisinau

☆ Germany adds Georgia and Moldova to list of safe countries of origin
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Vladislav Culiomza/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Germany's coalition government on Wednesday listed Georgia and Moldova as safe countries of origin in a bid to cut asylum applications from those nations, which are almost always rejected. The move means asylum applications from those countries could be processed more quickly and lead to faster deportations for failed applicants. According to ministry data, 99.9% of applications from both countries were rejected in 2022 and the first half of 2023. Some 8,865 Georgians and 5,218 people from Moldova applied for asylum in Germany last year. The ministry defines safe countries of origin as those where there is generally no fear of state prosecution and where the state protected its citizens.

Persons: Vladislav Culiomza, Nancy Faeser, Chancellor Olaf Scholz's, Pro Asyl, Asyl, Alexander Ratz, Matthias Williams, Mike Harrison Organizations: Moldovan, REUTERS, Rights, Pro, Thomson Locations: Chisinau, Moldova, Georgia, Schloss Meseberg, Berlin, Germany, Russia, Moldova . Georgia, South Caucasus

☆ Situation in Gabon, West Africa a big issue for Europe - EU's Borrell
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell delivers a speech during a ceremony opening EU's Partnership Mission in Chisinau, Moldova, May 31, 2023. "If this is confirmed, it is another military coup which increases instability in the whole region," said Borrell, speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Toledo. "This is a big issue for Europe," he added. The signs of a coup in Gabon come just weeks after members of the presidential guard in Niger seized power and established a junta. Reporting by Andrew Gray, Sabine Siebold, Benoit Van Overstraeten; Writing by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Conor HumphriesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Josep Borrell, Vladislav Culiomza, Ali Bongo, Andrew Gray, Sabine Siebold, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Sudip Kar, Conor Humphries Organizations: European Union for Foreign Affairs, REUTERS, Rights, Union, Gabonese, Central African, Thomson Locations: Chisinau, Moldova, Rights TOLEDO, Spain, Gabon, Toledo, Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, it's, Europe

☆ Twenty-two Russian diplomats leave Moldova as relations slide
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Twenty-two Russian diplomats flew out of the Moldovan capital of Chisinau on Monday, leaving behind a skeleton staff as relations between the two countries deteriorated after Moldova last month ordered Moscow withdraw most of its delegation. Moldovan officials have said the reduction of staff at the Russian embassy to 25 from 80 will establish parity with Moldova's embassy in Moscow. Moldovan media outlets published a video of two buses being escorted out of the Russian embassy by police and driving in the direction of the airport. According to Moldova's foreign ministry, no more than 10 Russian diplomats and 15 support staff can remain in Chisinau from Tuesday. Russia's foreign ministry said on Monday evening that employees of Russian institutions - the embassy, trade mission and Russian centre for science and culture - and their family members who were forced to leave Moldova had already returned to Moscow.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Sandu, Alexander Tanas, Maxim Rodionov, Max Hunder, Nick Macfie, Cynthia Osterman Organizations: Moldovan, Reuters, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Chisinau, Moldova, Moscow, Russian, Moscow ., Soviet, Ukraine, Moldovan, Sochi, Russia, Romania

☆ Russian embassy in Moldova to suspend consular appointments
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU, July 30 (Reuters) - Russia's embassy in Moldova has announced it will temporarily stop providing appointments for consular matters in what Moldovan officials say is a situation linked to the order by the country's authorities to reduce staff. A statement issued by the embassy late on Saturday said consular appointments would be suspended from Aug. 5 "for technical reasons." Moldovan officials say the order to reduce staff at the Russian embassy to 25 from the current level of more than 80, to take effect from Aug. 15, will establish parity with Moldova's embassy in Moscow. Much of the embassy's consular work concerns the pro-Russian separatist enclave of Transdniestria, which broke away from Moldova before the collapse of Soviet rule and where 200,000 Russian passport holders live. Embassy staff were previously able to travel to the enclave on the Ukrainian border to conduct consular affairs, but authorities in the separatist region say the reductions will make that arrangement much more difficult.

Persons: Maia Sandu, Igor Zakhahrov, Maria Zakharova, Ron Popeski, Chris Reese Organizations: Russian Foreign, Embassy, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Moldova, Soviet Moldova, Ukraine, Moscow, Russian, Transdniestria

CNN —Moldova has summoned the Russian ambassador in Chisinau after a media report surfaced alleging the embassy installed spying devices on its rooftop, according to the Moldovan foreign ministry. It comes after the Insider media outlet and Moldova’s Jurnal TV reported this week after a joint investigation that 28 satellite dishes and other communication devices had been installed on the Russian embassy’s rooftop and a neighboring residential building used by embassy’s staff. Moscow’s ambassador in Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov was summoned on Tuesday “to provide clarifications and explanations on the situation,” the ministry said. “Depending on further developments, the Moldovan authorities will consider several options for a response,” it concluded. CNN has contacted the Russian embassy in Chisinau for comment on the spying allegations and the summoning of their ambassador but is yet to hear back.

Persons: “, Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov Organizations: CNN —, Moldovan, CNN Locations: CNN — Moldova, Russian, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

☆ New leader of Moldovan region thanks exiled patron, backs ties with Russia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 19 (Reuters) - The new leader of Moldova's region of Gagauzia expressed gratitude at her inauguration on Wednesday to a wealthy magnate jailed in absentia for fraud and stood by her calls for closer ties with Russia. The region's 140,000 residents have had an uneasy relationship with Moldovan authorities in three decades of independence from Soviet rule. Gutul pledged to uphold good ties with Turkey and Russia, as well as with Moldova's neighbours, Ukraine and Romania. In the election campaign, contested by a slate of pro-Russian candidates, she pledged to build closer ties with Russia and open a diplomatic mission in Moscow. Reporting by Alexander Tanas in Chisinau; Editing by Ron Popeski and Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Gagauzia, Maia Sandu, Yevgeniya, Ilan Shor, Shor, Ilan, Gutul, Shor's, Sandu's, Alexander Tanas, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: European Union, Moldovan, Moldova's Constitutional, Sandu's PAS, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine, Israel, Gagauzia, Chisinau, Turkey, Romania, Moscow, Transdniestria, Russian

☆ Moldova separatist leader vows to solve opposition politician's suspected murder
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 19 (Reuters) - The president of Moldova's separatist pro-Russian Transdniestria region vowed on Tuesday to solve the suspected murder of an opposition politician who was a rare advocate of reconciliation with the country's pro-European government. Opposition politician Oleg Horgan was found dead in his home this week, apparently after being struck with a heavy object. Transdniestria President Vadim Krasnoselsky said he would take "personal control" of the investigation. A parliamentary committee summoned a special sitting of the assembly to discuss the suspected murder later in the week. Moldova has embarked on a drive to join the EU since the 2020 election of President Maia Sandu, who has roundly denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Persons: Transdniestria, Oleg Horgan, Oleg Serebrean, Vadim Krasnoselsky, Krasnoselsky, Horgan, Maia Sandu, Sandu, Ronald Popeski, Sonali Paul Organizations: Organization for Security, Cooperation, European Union, EU, Communist, Sheriff, Moldovan, Civic Congress, Russian, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Russian, Moldova, Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Transdniestria, Moscow

☆ Moldova airport shooting suspect in coma, wanted in Tajikstan for abduction
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, July 1 (Reuters) - The chief suspect in a shootout in Moldova's main international airport remained in a coma on Saturday and was wanted in his native Tajikistan in connection with the abduction of a bank officer, Moldovan authorities said. The 43-year-old man grabbed a gun and shot dead two security officers and wounded a civilian on Friday after being denied entry to ex-Soviet Moldova, they said. Musteata said the suspect would be tried in Moldova and face an aggravated murder charge "if he survives". Moldova, lying between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, has been severely buffeted by the war in Ukraine. President Maia Sandu has denounced Russia's invasion and set EU membership of her country as the top foreign policy priority.

Persons: Ion Musteata, Dragos Galbur, Musteata, Maia Sandu, Ron Popeski, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Moldova, Officials, European Union, Romania, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Tajikistan, Soviet Moldova, Istanbul, Moldovan, Moldova, Soviet, Central Asia, Dushanbe, Chisinau, Ukraine

CNN —Two people were killed at Moldova’s main international airport on Friday when a “foreign citizen” who was not allowed to enter the country opened fire, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. “Tragic day for Moldova after the incident at Chisinau International Airport, resulting in two lives lost,” Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nicu Popescu said in a Twitter post Friday. All relevant state authorities are on the scene and “efforts are underway to bring the situation back to normal,” the ministry added. “The leadership of the country has been urgently informed of the situation,” the ministry added. A witness on the scene told CNN passengers at the airport were evacuated from the main building and that afterwards they heard several shots.

Persons: ”, ” Moldova’s, Nicu Popescu, “, We’ve, ” Popescu Organizations: CNN, Ministry, Chisinau International, Foreign Locations: Moldova, Chisinau

☆ Gunman kills two at Moldova's main airport before being arrested - police
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CHISINAU, June 30 (Reuters) - A foreign national shot dead two people at Moldova's main international airport on Friday after being denied entry into the country, police and the interior ministry said. Police detained the man after the incident at Chisinau International Airport, the east European country's largest airport. Moldova's Newsmaker website cited unnamed officials saying the man had seized a gun from a border police officer after being taken to an area to be barred entry. Moldova, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, has a population of 2.6 million and is pushing to join the European Union. Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Olena Harmash and Tom Balmforth; Editing by Timothy HeritageOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Moldova's, Alexander Tanas, Olena Harmash, Tom Balmforth, Timothy Organizations: Police, Chisinau International Airport, Facebook, European Union, Timothy Heritage, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Chisinau, Turkey, Moldova, Soviet Union, Romania, Ukraine

☆ Tajik man shoots two dead at Moldova's international airport
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, June 30 (Reuters) - A 43-year-old Tajik man grabbed a gun, shot dead two security officers and wounded a civilian at Moldova's main international airport on Friday after being denied entry to the country, authorities said. The suspected assailant was himself wounded and apprehended, police said, in an incident that briefly grounded flights at Chisinau International Airport. Moldova's acting chief prosecutor, Ion Munteanu, said the shooting was being examined as a terrorist act. The two killed were a border guard and an airport security officer, President Maia Sandu said, offering condolences. It was only after we went far away from the airport that we were told there is someone who is shooting."

Persons: Ion Munteanu, Olena Shevelyova, Dorin Recean, Maia Sandu, Munteanu, Dragos Galbur, Alexander Tanas, Olena Harmash, Tom Balmforth, Cynthia Osterman, Ron Popeski, Grant McCool Organizations: Chisinau International Airport, European Union, Thomson Locations: CHISINAU, Chisinau, Tajikistan, Soviet, Asia, Istanbul, Moldova, Moldovan, Soviet Union, Ukrainian, Milan

☆ Moldova bans pro-Russian Shor party after months of protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Marina Tauber, leader of the opposition pro-Russian political party Shor, delivers a speech during a hearing of the Constitutional Court in Chisinau, Moldova, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Vladislav CuliomzaSummary Constitutional Court bans pro-Russian Shor partyShor lawmakers can remain in parliament as independentsPresident Maia Sandu welcomes court's decisionCHISINAU, June 19 (Reuters) - Moldova's Constitutional Court on Monday banned the pro-Russian Shor party that has led months of protests and is headed by an exiled businessman accused by the West and the government of trying to destabilise the country. Shor has denied the protests are part of a Russian threat or of attempts to destabilise Moldova. Parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said the court's decision was "an important victory for Moldovan democracy". Opposition Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon said Sandu's governing Action and Solidarity Party had "officially become totalitarian, destroying opposition forces" and that it would eventually suffer the same fate as the Shor party.

Persons: Marina Tauber, Shor, Vladislav Culiomza, Maia Sandu, Ilan Shor, Nicolae Rosca, Sandu, Igor Grosu, Igor Dodon, Alexander Tanas, Anna Pruchnicka, Timothy Heritage, Mark Heinrich, Ed Osmond Organizations: Constitutional, REUTERS, West, European Union, EU, Moldovan, Opposition Socialist Party, Solidarity Party had, Thomson Locations: Russian, Chisinau, Moldova, CHISINAU, Israel, United States, Soviet, Russia, Moldova's, Transdniestria

☆ Russia's 'least capable' troops aren't in Ukraine, but they're still causing problems next door, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Constantine Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Moldova, next door to Ukraine, has been under pressure from Russia for decades. Amid the war in Ukraine, Kyiv and Western officials say Moscow is stepping up its interference. As a result of a 1992 war between Moldovan forces and Transnistrian separatists, Russian troops entered the breakaway region to support the separatists. Following that war, Transnistria gained a form of autonomy. SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty ImagesMoldova declared a state of emergency after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, and it remains in effect.

Persons: —, that's, John Sullivan, SERGUEI VORONIN, Chișinău, Maia Sandu, Diego Herrera Carcedo, SERGEI GAPON, Moldova's, John Kirby, Kirby, Pierre Crom, Thomas de Waal, Dara Massicot, Massicot, Jamar Marcel Pugh, Sandu, Ursula von der Leyen, Constantine Atlamazoglou Organizations: Service, Georgetown University, Getty, Moldovan, NATO, EU, Anadolu Agency, Getty Images Moldova, White House National Security Council, Carnegie, RAND Corporation, US Army National Guard, European Commission, Fletcher School of Law, LinkedIn Locations: Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Transnistria, Kyiv, Western, Moscow, Soviet Union, Romania, Europe, Baltic, Poland, Bender, Transnistrian, Chisinau, May, Lithuania, Sweden, AFP, Russian, Carnegie Europe, NATO, Bulgaria

NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) surveillance aircraft will watch the skies over the summit venue through Friday, the alliance said in a statement. Missile debris from the war in Ukraine has been found in Moldova several times since Russia invaded 15 months ago. "NATO AWACS can detect aircraft, missiles and drones hundreds of kilometres away, making them an important early warning capability," NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu said. The summit will also touch on a range of strategic issues, ranging from energy to cybersecurity and migration. Reporting by John Irish, Andrew Gray and Alexander Tanas; writing by John Irish; editing by Mark HeinrichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Josep Borrell, Nicu Popescu, Ana Revenco, Oana Lungescu, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Maia Sandu, Ursula von der, Albin Kurti, Aleksandar Vucic, ” Borrell, Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, John Irish, Andrew Gray, Alexander Tanas, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: High Representative, European Union for Foreign Affairs, Moldova's, Russia, NATO, Kyiv, Control Systems, European, Kosovo, EU, Thomson Locations: Chisinau, Moldova, Ukraine, Kosovo, Moldovan, Romania, Russia, Ursula von der Leyen, KOSOVO, Slovakia, defusing, Serbian, Europe, Azerbaijan, Armenia

"All allies agree that Moscow does not have a veto against NATO enlargement," Stoltenberg told reporters as NATO foreign ministers gathered in Oslo, seeking to dispel any signs of discord ahead of the summit. At the Vilnius summit, NATO leaders aim to send a strong message of support to Kyiv. But with only six weeks to go, pressure is building for allies to find common ground on what exactly to offer Ukraine. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said Kyiv had suffered two invasions while waiting for an answer from NATO for 14 years. "Ukraine needs to get a clear path, and the next steps, on how to enter NATO," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

Persons: Jens Stoltenberg, Stoltenberg, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Margus Tsahkna, Annalena Baerbock, Luxembourg's Jean Asselborn, Sabine Siebold, Gwladys Fouche, Terje Solsvik, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Bart Meijer, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Alezander, Boldizsar, Bart H, Meijer, Ros Russell Organizations: NATO, Kyiv, Ukraine, Lithuania's, Estonian, Thomson Locations: OSLO, Moscow, Ukraine, Vilnius, Oslo, Moldova, Kyiv, Europe, United States, Germany, Russia, Estonian, Luxembourg, Hungary, NATO, Brussels, Alezander Tanas, Chisinau, Olena, Budapest

☆ Pro-government rally in Moldovan capital draws tens of thousands
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] People wave flags of European Union and Moldova during a rally to support the European path of the country, in Chisinau, Moldova May 21, 2023. President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of seeking to sabotage its European integration by fuelling anti-government protests and propaganda. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, on a visit to Chisinau, also addressed the rally, saying Europe would welcome Moldova "with open arms and open hearts". "This is about the both of us: You will bring a piece of Moldova to Europe, and you will make Europe stronger," she said. "I believe in a European Moldova and want for my country a future with advanced economic and socio-political development," said 18-year-old attendee Alexandrina Miron.

☆ Moldovan region headed for clash with pro-European government
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Alexander Tanas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHISINAU, May 16 (Reuters) - The assembly in a pro-Russian region of Moldova on Tuesday endorsed the election of a local leader intent on improving ties with Moscow, a move that set up a clash with the country's pro-European government. The southern Moldovan region of Gagauzia elected a new "bashkan", or leader, last weekend in a race featuring only pro-Russian candidates. But Moldova's prime minister and other officials have suggested central authorities will try to annul the results on grounds of widespread irregularities. "The police and prosecutors have made public irregularities noted in the course of the vote," he told Moldova's Pro TV. As the Gagauzia assembly unanimously approved the election outcome, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the building shouting "Down with Dictatorship, down with Maia Sandu!"

☆ Moldova summons Russian envoy to expel member of embassy staff
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

CHISINAU, April 19 (Reuters) - Moldova summoned the Russian ambassador on Wednesday to declare a member of the Russian embassy staff persona non grata, a government spokesperson said. Government press secretary Daniel Voda told reporters the decision was connected to the actions of embassy staff towards Moldovan border guards who denied entry to a regional Russian politician at Chisinau airport this week. The embassy staffer was not named. (This story has been refiled to fix the spokesperson's surname)Reporting by Alexander Tanas, writing by Max Hunder, Editing by Timothy HeritageOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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