Moldovan president thanks U.S. for sanctions against persons, entities over harming Moldova

CHISINAU. Dec 7 (Interfax) - Moldovan President Maia Sandu has thanked the United States for the imposition of sanctions on persons and entities that harmed Moldova.

Sandu expressed her appreciation at a meeting with Michael McFaul, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington on Tuesday, the presidential press service told Interfax.

"President Maia Sandu, currently on visit to Washington, has thanked the United States for the decision to add nine persons and 12 entities to the sanctions list over corruption, the damage they did to the country, and the promotion of Russian influence in Moldova," the press service said.

The sides discussed bilateral relations and "American partners' support for the reform program of the Moldovan authorities," it said.

Sandu also thanked the United States for the congressional resolution of April 2022 that reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic course of Moldova.

Speaking of the sanctions list, Sandu said, "Such actions help the Moldovan authorities eradicate corruption and strengthen institutions of the Moldovan state."

Moldova is counting on U.S. support for its reforms and accession to the European Union, she said,

"We also need U.S. support to achieve energy independence," said Sandu, who ends the visit to the United States on December 7.

On October 26, the United States imposed sanctions on fugitive Moldovan oligarchs Vladimir Plahotniuc and Ilan Shor, as well as associated legal entities and individuals, for "actions related to systemic corruption and Kremlin-linked election interference," U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Kent Logsdon said.

The sanctions list includes Igor Chaika, son of former Russian Prosecutor General Yury Chaika, singer Jasmin, wife of Ilan Shor, another five Russian citizens, and 11 Russian companies and organizations.