By MATTHEW LEE, AP Diplomatic Author
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday pledged America’s help to the small, Western-leaning former Soviet republic of Moldova that’s dealing with an inflow of refugees from Ukraine and warily watching Russia’s intensifying battle with its neighbor.
Blinken met with senior Moldovan officers who’re interesting for worldwide help in coping with greater than 120,000 refugees from Ukraine that it’s now internet hosting whereas additionally looking for safety reassurances in opposition to potential Russian aggression.
Greater than 230,000 folks have fled into or handed by means of Moldova from Ukraine because the battle started 11 days in the past. Blinken stated Moldova’s welcoming of refugees is an inspiration to the world.
“We admire the generosity of hospitality, the willingness to be such good pals to people who find themselves in misery, and, certainly, I need to do all the pieces we are able to that can assist you cope with the burden that this has imposed,” he stated.
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Russia has troops in Moldova, a rustic of two.6 million, stationed within the disputed territory of Transnistria, and they’re being carefully watched as Russian President Vladimir Putin presses forward with the invasion of Ukraine.
“It is a topic of excessive vulnerability and we watch it rigorously,” stated Moldovan President Maia Sandu. what is occurring in Ukraine.
“On this area now there is no such thing as a chance for us to really feel secure,” Sandu stated.
Though it’s impartial militarily and has no plans to attempt to grow to be a member of NATO, Moldova formally utilized to affix the European Union simply three days in the past in a fast-track bid to bolster its ties with the West.
“Whereas we face this unprecedented circumstance, we’re firmly dedicated to our path for European integration,” stated Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita. “We consider that that is an agenda to remodel Moldova into a contemporary, affluent European state based mostly on the basic values of human rights and the rule of legislation.”
Blinken praised Moldova’s European aspirations and stated Moldova may depend on US help.
“Moldova has chosen the trail to democracy, a extra inclusive economic system, a better relationship with the nations and establishments of Europe, and america helps Moldova in these efforts grounded in our respect for the neutrality that is enshrined within the structure,” he stated. .
“Moldova is a strong instance of a democracy rising to the second with imaginative and prescient and with willpower,” Blinken stated.
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