Russian Official Warns Moldova Over EU Association

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Russia would instead welcome a closer affiliation between Moldova and a Moscow-led customs union.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has warned Chisinau of possible repercussions if Moldova signs an EU Association Agreement.

In an interview with the Russian daily "Kommersant" published on May 12, Rogozin said Moscow will revise its economic ties with Moldova if Chisinau signs the agreement.

He added that before joining the EU, members had joined NATO and Moldova's neutral status will change if it chooses to join the EU.

Rogozin said Russia would instead welcome a closer affiliation between Moldova and a Moscow-led customs union.

The interview came one day after Moldovan officials confiscated petitions from a Russian jet in Chisinau carrying Rogozin back to Moscow after a controversial visit to the breakaway Transdniester region.

The lists were reportedly signed by residents of Transdniester urging Russia to annex the territory.
Based on reporting by "Kommersant" and Interfax