Moldova suspends Russian cultural center after drone violations: Embassy’s reaction
The Russian Embassy in Chișinău has responded to the decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova to suspend the operations of the Russian Center for Science and Culture.
It states that "the authorities in Chișinău are continuing to escalate tensions and sever traditional ties with Russia."
Such a cynical step demonstrates the current elites' disregard for the interests and needs of a significant number of Moldovan citizens, including the younger generation, eager to study the Russian language, culture, and history, despite the forced imposition of Russophobia. Furthermore, we draw the attention of the Moldovan authorities to the provision of the Agreement concerning its automatic extension for consecutive five-year periods, with the current term expiring in 2026.
In this context, the Embassy emphasizes that "it is crucial to consider Article 17, which stipulates that the parties are obligated to notify each other in writing at least six months prior to the expiration of the term about the intent to terminate the validity of the Agreement."
"We urge Chișinău, which claims to be a supporter of democracy and international law, to act in strict accordance with the norms and procedures outlined in the Agreement."
The operations of the Russian Cultural Center in Chișinău will be suspended, a decision taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the violation of Moldovan airspace by Russian drones late yesterday evening. In this regard, the Moldovan-Russian intergovernmental agreement on the establishment and operation of cultural centers, concluded in 1998, will be unilaterally terminated. Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov has also made this announcement. It is worth mentioning that this center, a branch of the Rossotrudnichestvo Agency, was opened in Chișinău in 2009.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
