The Mayor of Chișinău, Ion Ceban, rejects the accusations made by the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Țoiu, who justified the entry ban imposed on the mayor due to „complicated connections with representatives of Russia.” Ceban describes the entire situation as a „political order” and demands concrete evidence.
„This type of complicated connections does not exist, and they know this. And as proof of this fact, there are people, politicians, both in Romania and in the Republic of Moldova, as well as in EU states, who not necessarily have ‘complicated connections,’ if we are to speak in her terminology, but even have these connections open and nothing happens to them. This is the first thesis on the basis of which I affirm that it is a political order,” said Ceban in a video message published on social networks, cited by the press across the Prut River.
The Mayor demands official explanations and accuses the lack of transparency
Ion Ceban claims that he has not received any official proof or notification to explain the decision of the Romanian authorities and that the institutions in Bucharest are „passing the responsibility” between them.
"I want evidence that there is something, because that something does not exist," insisted the Mayor of Chișinău, adding that the decision, made just two months before the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, aims to influence public opinion: "Any kind of such interference can be classified as a direct involvement in influencing the public opinion of different people who will go to express their vote."
Ban valid throughout the Schengen area
Ion Ceban is banned from entering Romania and the Schengen area since July 9, for a period of five years. Along with him, two other citizens of the Republic of Moldova have received similar measures.
Oana Țoiu: For Romania, limiting Russian influence is a priority
In an interview with RFI Romania, Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu explained that the ban was decided "for reasons related to national security."
"In Mr. Ceban's case, there have been documented complicated connections with representatives of the Russian Federation for a long time. For Romania, it is extremely important that this type of influence be limited on our territory," said the head of diplomacy in Bucharest, mentioning that the decision was not made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but by competent security institutions.
Elections in Moldova and risks of external interference
Țoiu emphasized that Romania is closely monitoring the parliamentary elections in September in the Republic of Moldova and expects "a clear reflection of the will expressed in the EU accession referendum," as well as a fair conduct, protected from external influences.
"Romania has recently gone through such experiences, and we are ready to share the lessons learned, both bilaterally and within the EU," added the minister.