Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu said that Russia is deliberately trying to provoke the Republic of Moldova into expelling its designated ambassador, Oleg Ozerov, in order to create a new pretext for escalating tensions between the two states, IPN reports.
Grosu stated that such a move would serve Moscow’s interests, as Russia is looking for excuses to further aggravate its already strained relations with the authorities in Chisinau. He added that Oleg Ozerov’s situation is unprecedented in Moldova’s history, which raises questions about Russia’s real intentions.
“Should Ambassador Ozerov be expelled or not? This individual is the only one in the history of the Republic of Moldova who has never been accredited. I believe this is exactly what they want. They are looking for a pretext to escalate and further strain our already quite cold relations,” Igor Grosu said during the program La 360 de grade on Radio Moldova.
The Speaker explained that the authorities in Chisinau do not intend to react impulsively to what he described as the arrogant behavior of the designated ambassador. He stressed that the state has other, far more effective instruments than expelling a diplomat.
“There are much more effective instruments that the authorities of the Republic of Moldova can apply, and they will apply them at the appropriate time. They will be far more effective than allowing ourselves to be provoked by arrogant and irresponsible behavior,” Grosu said.
According to the cited source, Grosu made these statements after designated ambassador Oleg Ozerov reacted ironically to the case of a Russian made drone found on the roof of a house in the Floresti district.
“This is an imperial style attitude that the Russian Federation has always shown toward the Republic of Moldova and other neighboring states. When the right context arises, the authorities will apply effective measures,” Igor Grosu added.