The United States has welcomed the swearing in of a new pro-Western government in Moldova and reaffirmed its backing for President Maia Sandu's efforts to combat corruption and pursue her country's eventual integration into the European Union.
SEE ALSO: 'Russia's Playbook': U.S. Diplomat Says Washington Is 'Deeply Concerned' About Alleged Plot To Destabilize MoldovaMoldova's new government was sworn in on February 16 less than a week after Dorin Recean, 48, was nominated by President Maia Sandu to replace Natalia Gavrilita, whose government resigned following 18 months in office.
Among the objectives of the new government are the opening of EU accession negotiations, ensuring order in state institutions, increasing economic development, continuing justice reform, and accelerating the fight against corruption.
"We look forward to working with the prime minister and his cabinet as they continue to pursue political and economic and anti-corruption reforms," Vedant Patel, U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson, told a news briefing on February 16.
"The U.S. firmly supports Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, democracy, and prosperity. We appreciate President Sandu’s continued leadership as Moldova builds its democratic, European future," Patel added.
Recean said before the parliamentary vote that his government would include four new ministers who will head the finance, infrastructure, justice, and energy ministries.
Recean was interior minister from 2012 to 2015. Before being tapped to be prime minister, he served as a defense and security adviser to Sandu.
Sandu has repeatedly accused Russia of trying to destabilize Moldova. Earlier this week, she spoke of an alleged Russian plot that she said was outlined in documents she received from Ukrainian intelligence services. The plot allegedly aimed to topple the country's leadership, stop it from joining the EU, and use it in the war against Ukraine.
Russia has denied that it is plotting to destabilize Moldova, calling the claims “completely unfounded and unsubstantiated."
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried stressed in an interview on February 15 with RFE/RL that the United States is "deeply concerned" about reports about the plot and strongly supports Sandu.