TOKYO (Kyodo) — Moldova will take action against “malign” Russian propaganda ahead of parliamentary elections next year, the foreign minister of the former Soviet republic said, criticizing interference by Moscow in recent elections.
Moldova will combat disinformation and fake news aimed at creating discord in society after similar propaganda efforts blamed on Russia were seen in the recent presidential election and a referendum over whether to join the European Union, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said in an interview with Kyodo News earlier this week.
The government has created an institution tasked with monitoring the public and online space to fight what Popsoi said were Russian attempts to build a wedge between Moldovans at home and abroad as well as to create animosity against Ukrainian refugees who have fled the war in their homeland.
In the presidential election earlier this month, pro-EU President Maia Sandu was reelected in a runoff by defeating a Russia-friendly contender, helped by overseas votes that accounted for some 20 percent of the total ballots.
In October, a slim majority voted in favor of the country joining the EU in the referendum, with a ruling party victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections seen as key to moving forward the country’s pursuit of EU membership.
“We need to work to bring Moldova closer to the European Union to improve the quality of life, which is most important,” Popsoi, who also serves as vice prime minister, said in Tokyo.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Popsoi called for a quick solution, noting that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has said that he is seeking to bring a swift end to the conflict.
“But it should be a solution that takes into account the interests of Ukraine,” he said, adding that otherwise “it will create a dangerous precedent that could be replicated in other parts of the world.”
As for Moldova’s ties with Japan, Popsoi said the government intends to boost ties including in the economic area such as by promoting exports of its wine.
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Publish date : 2024-11-14 21:00:00
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