CHISINAU. June 10 (Interfax-AVN) - Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin has urged Russia to meet its obligations and withdraw its troops from the self-proclaimed republic of Transdniestria.
"The withdrawal of Russian troops from the Transdniestrian region would be a serious contribution by Russia to the Transdniestrian settlement process. We see no political or geopolitical goals that would justify any further presence of Russian armed units in the region. I am confident that the authorities of the Russian Federation do not see them either," Voronin said at parliamentary hearings on Friday.
The troops' withdrawal will help demilitarize the region and promote democratic processes there, the president said.
Voronin called on Russia to stop treating Moldova with mistrust.
International organizations should be asked to help finance the demilitarization process and the disposal of old ammunition, he said.
"Such steps need to be taken both in the framework of the OSCE and as part of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program, in which Moldova plans to play an active role," Voronin said.