In the context of messages from some Russian military officials about alleged violations of the rights of Russian speakers in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, the Bureau for Reintegration Policy declares that such statements are not only unacceptable but also unfounded, as they lead to increased tension and mistrust in society.

On the territory of the Republic of Moldova, a member state of the Council of Europe, the fundamental rights and freedoms of all inhabitants are guaranteed and respected, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, language, etc. And all these rights are respected on the territory controlled by the constitutional authorities.

At the same time, given the military presence of the Russian Federation in the Transnistrian region, it is the Russian side which exercises effective control over this region of the Republic of Moldova, a fact which has been noted in numerous judgments of the European Court for Human Rights.

We recall that the Transnistrian region is an inalienable part of the unitary and territorially indivisible state of the Republic of Moldova. All mediators and observers in the "5+2" negotiating format, including the Russian Federation, have consistently supported the achievement of a comprehensive, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, within the borders recognized by the international community.

Similarly, Article 5 of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation of 19 November 2001 expressly recognizes that each of the parties shall refrain from any action likely to prejudice the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the other party.

We also stress that the Republic of Moldova, according to its Constitution, is a neutral state and we demand that this principle be respected by all international actors, including the Russian Federation.

Thus, we reiterate the need to respect the commitments agreed at bilateral and international level and to avoid messages that may create dissension and artificial sources of tension.