CHISINAU. Feb 17 (Interfax) - Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu has said he sees no reasons for Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Aureliu Ciocoi's dismissal.
The rightwing opposition at the parliament proposed passing a vote of no confidence in Ciocoi last week after the minister said several days before that "Russia stopped bloodshed on the Dniester" amid an armed conflict in Transdniestria in 1992.
"I see no reasons for his dismissal. The minister's words were misinterpreted, including by journalists. He meant the Russian peacekeeping forces that acted in line with the agreement signed in 1992. Period," Chicu said at a press conference on Monday, declining further comments.
Members of the parliamentary factions of the rightwing opposition parties Platform DA and Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) demanded on February 13 that Ciocoi be dismissed for distorting historical truth.
Moldovan law stipulates that a motion on passing a vote of no confidence in a government minister requires support of at least 15 parliamentarians. If a resolution on passing a vote of no confidence is submitted to the parliament, it must listen to this minister's position within 14 days. A minister shall be discharged if a majority of parliamentarians present at a session vote for this resolution.
A date for considering a vote of no confidence in Ciocoi will be set at a meeting of the parliament's Standing Bureau.