Moldova stays neutral, won't join sanctions against Russia - FM

CHISINAU. March 1 (Interfax) - Chisinau will stick to the constitutional neutrality principle in the Ukraine situation, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu said.

"Moldova is a neutral state. This is what we rely on in this case. We will not take any side in the conflict. Moldova will not join any sanctions either," Popescu said live on the TV8 channel on Monday night.

"The Moldovan economy is too integrated and dependent on Russia," he said in response to a journalist's question why this is so.

"A decision to impose sanctions on Russia is not an easy decision, this is a very hard decision that could be made by stronger and more prosperous countries than Moldova. It was decided in Moldova in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea that Moldova would not join the sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union or the U.S., and we support this course. The decision was made for economic considerations, as the Moldovan economy is too dependent on relations with Russia, including those economic," he said.

Currently, "Chisinau is maintaining dialogue with Moscow at the technical level. This is a matter of assistance to the Moldovan citizens who are unable to return home because of the Ukraine situation. We are also discussing cargo transportation, return of Moldovan transport companies to the country, etc.," Popescu said.

"Moldova will continue to help all refugees in need," he said.

"We provide full support to the refugees who need our assistance. We cannot act differently because people from the neighboring country need help. As to getting involved in the conflict, we stick to the principle of constitutional neutrality," Popescu said.