German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday assured Moldova of Berlin’s support on its path to membership in the European Union, while Moldovan and American officials accuse Russia of trying to weaken the government in Chisinau.
“Moldova is part of our European family. This summer we granted it candidate status. And I welcome the determination with which Moldova has approached the necessary and indispensable reforms for EU membership,” Scholz said at a press conference in Bucharest, Romania. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Moldovan President Maia Sandu.
“Moldova can be sure of our support on this path. I assured the President (Sandu) of this once again today. Moldova is not alone, but it benefits from massive international support,” continued the German Chancellor.
Scholz expressed “great concern” over reports of alleged Russian attempts to destabilize Moldova and said Germany would do “everything possible” to support Moldova in its efforts to arm itself against “attempts destabilization of Russia.
In February, Moldovan President Sandu accused Russia of planning to use “military-trained saboteurs disguised as civilians” to destabilize the country – claims that were dismissed by the Russian Foreign Ministry as “unwise.” foundation”.
According to White House officials, the United States believes that Russia is seeking to weaken the Moldovan government as it continues to seek closer ties with the European Union.
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state are inviolable. This requirement of the Helsinki Final Act and other international law agreements was also signed by Russia. And it is still valid. That is why We are doing everything possible to help Moldova arm itself against attempts to destabilize Russia,” Scholz said.
Speaking at the same event, Sandu said that “this is very important and I am happy that Moldova is a dialogue partner with Romania and Germany. The projects in which we participate together are very useful to our citizens and will strongly lead us towards membership (of the European Union).”
CNN’s Radina Gigova, Anna Chernova and Natasha Bertrand contributed reporting to this article.
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