President Nicolae Timofti reiterated Moldova’s position that the referendum on joining Russia held in Crimea is illegal and that Ukraine must keep its territorial integrity. In a news conference on March 18, the head of state said representatives of the Transnistrian administration also asked that Russia should annex Moldova’s Transnistrian region, saying this request is counterproductive, IPN reports.

“Such a statement was made by the so-called head of the supreme soviet of the region. No official steps were taken. Such proposals are counterproductive and do no good to Moldova or Russia. Besides expressing the adopted positions, we can do nothing else,” said Nicolae Timofti.

He reminded that he repeatedly called on Russia to withdraw its troops and munitions from the left bank of the Nistru River. “I spoke even with Russian statesmen about this. If I put this question in the current regional context, will something change? I don’t think so,” said the head of state.

Asked about the possibility of Moldova joining NATO, Nicolae Timofti said the constitutional norms do not allow this. Moldova will take no action that can endanger the internal or regional security.

The head of state called on all the decision makers and society to remain clam, saying a possible decision by Russia to join Crimea to its territory will represent a serious violation of the international law.