Moldovan president Dodon says Moldova does not need its own army
During an interview with the Russian publication Nezavisimaya Gazeta, Moldovan President Igor Dodon expressed the belief that Moldova does not need its own military because it is a neutral country.
"We do not need an army. Moldova is a neutral country, [and] therefore should not have armed forces - neither on the left nor right bank of the Dniester. Who is there for us to fight with?" said Dodon.
Dodon earlier stated that the unrecognized Transdniestria could become part of Ukraine or Moldova. In his opinion, Tiraspol will not be able to gain independence or become part of the Russian Federation.
"I think that after the elections in Moldova, when there will be a pro-Moldovan majority created in the parliament, starting in 2019, we must start working on a Transdniestrian settlement," added Dodon.
In addition, he named two conditions for the unification of Moldova and Transdniestria, and mentioned Transdniestria’s right to self-determination in the event of the loss of statehood by Moldova.