CHISINAU. June 22 (Interfax) - Chisinau is seeking to cap the number of diplomatic and support staff of the Russian embassy to Moldova, Andrian Cheptonar, an MP for Moldova's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), said in a statement.
"This is not just a matter of diplomats. The embassy employs about 40 diplomats and staff members, in addition to about 40 technicians who set up antennas on the Russian embassy roof. I mean, they're involved in spying. All of them have families. In total, to my knowledge, about 150 people live on the Russian embassy premises. Meanwhile, we had six diplomats in Moscow and one of them was expelled in a retaliatory gesture. Only five are left," Cheptonar said on the ExclusivTV channel on Wednesday.
A concept of parity in diplomatic presence is envisaged by conventions on diplomatic relations, he said.
"It is absolutely natural for countries to cut or increase their staff based on the principle of parity," Cheptonar said.
In this particular case, this is necessary to ensure national security, he said. "We have to cap the Russian embassy staff in order to maintain stability and keep our country safe," he added.
The parliamentary commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration are discussing these matters, Cheptonar said.
"A proper decision will be made. Plenty of time, from one to several months, will be given to the embassy to decide who should stay and who should leave Moldova," he said.