Moldova recalls ambassador from MoscowApril 25, 2012 - 20:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Moldova has recalled its ambassador to Russia after the diplomat made remarks in support of keeping Russian troops in the separatist region of Transdniester, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty reported. On April 9, Andrei Neguta told the Russian news agency ITAR-TASS that the withdrawal of 1,500 Russian troops from Transdniester would endanger both Moldova and the region. Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca on April 25 called Neguta's remarks "hapless." Prime Minister Vlad Filat said he would appoint a new ambassador who is able "to represent Moldova's interests with dignity." Russia has posted about 1,000 troops in Transdniester to guard Soviet-era weapons. Another 500 Russian troops also are stationed at crossing points into the separatist region. Neguta was appointed as ambassador to Moscow in 2009 by the previous government of Communist leader Vladimir Voronin. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |