Moldova Protests Russian Participation In Transdniester Parade

Moldova's government has protested the participation of Russian troops in a Victory Day parade on May 9 in the Moldovan breakaway republic of Transdniester.

A Foreign Ministry statement on May 10 said Russia's presence in the parade in the city of Tiraspol "is in violation of the obligations of the Russian Federation, as well as of the principles and rules of international law."

Foreign Minister Andrei Galbur said Moldova had asked Russian officials to prohibit the 1,500 Russian troops stationed there from participating in the parade, which celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The pro-Russian region broke away from Moldova in 1990 and a war broke out in 1992, leaving 1,500 dead.

About 200 U.S. troops are currently in Moldova participating in an exercise, a move which has angered Moldova's pro-Russian opposition.

Based on reporting by AP and Interfax