January 23rd, 2019, Chisinau - In connection with the news broadcasted by local media from the Eastern districts of the country regarding the opening of a Transnistrian "representation" in Moscow, the MFAEI states that before the declarations launched in the public space, on January 18th, the Ministry convened Oleg Vasneţov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Chisinau, who communicated that the so-called "representation" implies a non-profit organization that will provide legal assistance services to the inhabitants of the transnistrian region, but not only. It was registered with the Ministry of Justice according to Russian legislation. Following the discussions, on January 21, Russia's Foreign Ministry commentary came out with the necessary explanations.

At the same time, the MFAEI requested, through the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Moscow, clarification on the statute of the foundation for the development of social and cultural relations "Transnistria", which according to the qualifications of the Transnistrian leaders, supported by the media in the region, assigns it the status of a "diplomatic representation" and on the title of "official representation" that is passed on the frontispiece of the organization.

The Foreign Ministry points to the fact that the status of "official representation" has a defining meaning for the context of diplomatic relations, thus damaging Moldovan-Russian bilateral relations. Such actions undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and the MFAEI recalls that, the leadership of the Russian Federation has unequivocally and openly expressed support in favor of respecting the principles mentioned above.

The MFAEI calls the Russian authorities to ensure full compliance with the internal and international legal frameworks, in line with the recent talks, in order to avoid any confusion and speculation that could harm the bilateral relations between our countries.