Minister: Closure of Russian centre in Moldova — step in defence of national security

The new government of the Republic of Moldova, which could be approved by the end of this week, intends to submit — “at one of its first meetings” — a draft to denounce the agreement under which the Russian Science and Culture Center operates in the country.

Mihai Popșoi made the statement on the program În Context by Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Moldova1 reports.

Popșoi said that after being reviewed by the government, the document will be submitted for a parliamentary vote, then approved by a presidential decree, and officially sent to the Russian side.

“The closure of the Russian Cultural Center is a deliberate decision due to subversive activity,” he noted.

The agreement under which the Russian Science and Culture Centre operates in Moldova was signed in 1998 and does not provide for unilateral termination — only the possibility of non-renewal.

In this regard, Popșoi explained, a legislative initiative has been prepared to ensure the legal procedure for ending the agreement.

The minister emphasised that closing the Russian Science and Culture Centre is a “deliberate political step” aimed at countering national security threats.

Commenting on the status of Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov, Popșoi explained on the same program that the delay in his accreditation is related to “behaviour not in accordance with diplomatic norms.”

By Khagan Isayev