February 27, 2009 - 12:54 AMT
Vladimir Voronin: noose fastening around Russia
Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin said Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan have not matured for European projects like the Eastern Partnership

"Without offence, these countries are not fit for the initiative while we have reached considerable progress in integration into European structures," he said.

Mr. Voronin labeled the Eastern Partnership as CIS-2 under control of the European Union. "It resembles a noose fastening around Russia," he said.

As to CSTO membership, he said that Moldova is a country with neutral status and can't join the organization.

"However, we are interested to join some projects implemented within the EurAsEC. We would also like to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as we have close ties with China," Mr. Voronin said, Kommersant daily reports.