KLIMOVSK, near Moscow - Russian Deputy Prime Minister insisted on Saturday that Russia open two consulates in Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria.
I will insist [on setting up consulates]. That is my principle. If I
do go at all, it’s only to discuss setting up such consulates,” Rogozin,
who is planning to visit Transdniestria in mid-November, told reporters
in Klimovsk.
Rogozin said the Moldovan government rejects the consulates idea. “We
are being told, no, this can’t be done because a consulate in effect
means recognizing the independence of Transdniestria,” he said, adding
that he disagreed. “A consulate is not an embassy – we have an embassy
in [Moldovan capital] Chisinau,” Rogozin said.
He also said he planned to press Moldova to pay arrears for Russian energy consumed in Transdniestria.
The Moldovan government refuses to include Transdniestria’s arrears
in Moldova’s total Russian energy debt, Rogozin said, claiming that the
reason is the Moldovan and Transdniestrian debts would add up to a sum
Moldova would be unable to cough up.
“If Transdniestria is part of Moldova, the debts must be common. They say no,” Rogozin said.
