Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized Moldova for refusing to hold consultations with Moscow on an accord that strengthens ties between Chisinau and the European Union.
Speaking at a Commonwealth of Independent States summit on October 10 in Minsk, which was also attended by Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti, Putin said Moldova’s Association Agreement with the EU may affect economic ties between Russia and Moldova.
Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia rattled Russia by signing Association Agreements with EU in June.
Putin pointed out that implementation of the free-trade portion of the EU-Ukraine deal was postponed until December 31, 2015 as a result of the Kremlin's "intense consultations with the EU and Ukraine."
He said Chisinau had not responded to Moscow's "numerous calls" to do the same.
Based on live TV broadcast and Interfax
