Romanian President Unyielding in Conflict with Russia over Moldova

Tension between Romania and Russia over Moldova has yet to ease. Pictured, Romanian President Traian Basescu (R) and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L). Photo by EPA/BGNES

Russia's expulsion of a senior Romanian diplomat for allegedly trying to coax confidential military documents from a Russian citizen is "without doubt" a reaction to Romania's support for the westernization of Moldova, said Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi.

"We are not doing anything secretly [in backing Moldova]," said Romanian President Traian Basescu. Romania is simply looking out for its own security and energy interests and does not have animosity toward Russia, he said.

But, in retaliation to the deportation, the Romanian Foreign Ministry announced two weeks ago it would "declare a diplomat in the [Russian] Embassy - with an equivalent ranking - as persona non grata," BBC wrote.

The huge lack of trust which has resulted from this bickering between Moscow and Bucharest can be overcome if both sides work together to pursue their mutual interests, the president said. In his words, both countries have a steak in the peace and stability of the Black Sea region.

Despite conflicts with Russia, Romania is making every effort to maintain the democratic leadership in Moldova, a Romanian news site wrote. Upcoming elections could also cement the nation's westward course.

Romania will not change its stance on Moldova within the next presidential mandate, Basescu said.

He made it clear that "sometimes we have diverging interests," but he also expressed that despite this, Russia and Romania must find ways to cooperate and to continue to respect each other.

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