Minister of Defense Valeriu Troenco considers that time has come for Moldova to review its status of neutrality and to analyze the possibility of joining NATO. The minister elaborated on the issue in the program “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, IPN reports.
Valeriu Troenco explained that the situation in Ukraine represents a danger for Moldova, while the Moldovan army’s defense capacity is limited. “Ferocious battles take place in Ukraine and the distance up to there is short. We must be permanently ready to react, if necessary,” he stated.
The minister noted that in case of external invasion, Moldova will seek assistance from outside, especially NATO. “NATO became the guarantor of stability and protection of the interests of the small ones. There is practically no other force that could put up resistance to Russia,” he said.
Valeriu Troenco is convinced that the National Army can cope with an internal conflict, especially potential actions aimed at hampering the signing by Moldova of the Association Agreement with the EU.
The minister supports the idea of forming a professional army with servicemen employed on contract, but believes that the mandatory military service should be kept so as to maintain the feeling of patriotism in the army.
