Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin has accused Romania of planning to annex Moldova by supporting Chisinau's efforts toward European integration.
Rogozin, in a message on his Twitter account on October 2, said Romanian President Traian Basescu, whom he called the "Traian Horse," has a two-step plan: first, Moldova's "association with the EU, then its Anschluss with Romania" -- a reference to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
In response, Basescu told a news conference in Bucharest that Romania did not intend to annex any country but would continue to support Moldova's European aspirations.
Basescu said Rogozin was used to "making a statement about Romania every morning before having tea."
Moldova hopes to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union at an Eastern Partnership summit in November.
Russia recently banned Moldovan wine imports, a move widely seen as a warning to Chisinau.
Rogozin, in a message on his Twitter account on October 2, said Romanian President Traian Basescu, whom he called the "Traian Horse," has a two-step plan: first, Moldova's "association with the EU, then its Anschluss with Romania" -- a reference to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
In response, Basescu told a news conference in Bucharest that Romania did not intend to annex any country but would continue to support Moldova's European aspirations.
Basescu said Rogozin was used to "making a statement about Romania every morning before having tea."
Moldova hopes to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union at an Eastern Partnership summit in November.
Russia recently banned Moldovan wine imports, a move widely seen as a warning to Chisinau.