Moldova slams Russian participation in Trans-Dniester parade

CHISINAU, Moldova – Moldova’s government has voiced anger over the participation of Russian troops in a Victory Day parade in the Moldovan breakaway republic of Trans-Dniester.

A foreign ministry statement says Russia’s presence in the parade in the city Tiraspol “contravenes commitments assumed by the Russian Federation according to the principles and norms of international law.”

Foreign Minister Andrei Galbur said Tuesday that Moldova had asked Russian officials to prohibit the 1,500 Russian troops stationed there from participating in the parade, which celebrates the Soviet Union’s victory over Germany in World War II.

The pro-Russian region broke away from Moldova in 1990 and a war broke out in 1992, leaving 1,500 dead.

About 200 U.S. troops are currently in Moldova participating in an exercise — a move which has angered Moldova’s pro-Russian opposition.

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