Moldova Remains Committed To Pro-EU Policy

Moldovan Prime Minister Lurie Leanca

Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has said his country respects Ukraine's decision to suspend its preparations to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union but that his country will continue to pursue association with the EU.

"Our relations with Ukraine remain as close as ever," Leanca said on November 21.

Moldova is expected to initial an EU Association Agreement at an EU Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius next week.

Moscow has been pressuring both Ukraine and Moldova to instead join the Russia-led Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

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Former Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin, head of the Communist Party, said on November 21 that his country should "follow" Ukraine and suspend talks with the EU.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and Interfax