Recalling an ambassador for consultations is a standard diplomatic procedure used when circumstances affect the interests and safety of Moldovan citizens, Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said.
The minister, however, could not specify what exactly the consultations involving Moldova’s ambassador to Moscow, Lilian Darii, would entail.
Popsoi said he considered the measure necessary because the safety of Moldovan citizens had been affected. According to him, recalling an ambassador for consultations is one of several diplomatic responses available to a state. Others include verbal or written notes of protest and summoning foreign ambassadors.
“It is difficult to explain the nuances of diplomatic activity to those unfamiliar with it, but this is standard practice. Exactly the same procedure was applied in the case of Romania recently, when there were complicated situations and Romania was affected by difficult circumstances in our region,” Popsoi said.
He explained that diplomatic responses can escalate gradually, beginning with a verbal communication, followed by a diplomatic note or note of protest, the summoning of an ambassador to receive the protest and, subsequently, the recall of the country’s own ambassador for consultations in the capital.
Lilian Darii was recalled to Chisinau for consultations after a Russian drone crashed and exploded on August 9 near Crocmaz, Stefan Voda district.