Moldova to stay neutral - Moldovan PM

CHISINAU. Feb 24 (Interfax) - Moldova continues to follow the principle of neutrality, Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita told a press conference after the meeting of the Commission for Emergency Situations on Thursday.

"We are concerned about the situation in Ukraine, and we are taking measures to prevent risks to citizens' safety. At the same time, Moldova is a neutral country, and we will say neutral," Gavrilita said.

Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popesku said he had discussed the situation with his colleagues from the EU countries, including Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu and had reached agreements with him "on constant contact for exchange of information and coordination of actions to counter the dangers of the conflict in Ukraine."

"We reaffirmed our support of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and we called for peaceful settlement of all conflicts," Popesku said, emphasizing the need for "the observance of the main principles of international law."

Gavrilita said migration flows from Ukraine create the highest risks to Moldova in this situation.

Responding to a question from journalists about the Moldovan authorities' reaction to the joint exercise with servicemen from the operative group of Russian troops in Transdniestria announced today, Gavrilita said that "the relevant structures maintain communication with Transdniestria in the normal mode. Only migration flows now create risks. All other risks are under control or are very low."

Moldova is taking measures to accommodate refugees from Ukraine, she said. According to tentative data, more than 3,000 refugees came to Moldova on February 24.

The Moldovan government on Thursday asked the parliament to declare a state of emergency in the country.