The stay of Russian soldiers on the territory of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is contrary to the Constitution of Moldova. This decision was taken by the Constitutional Court (CC) of the country. The neutrality prescribed in the basic law is of paramount importance, and therefore peacekeepers should leave the republic.

The question of the legality of the stay of Russian servicemen in Transnistria was discussed in the Constitutional Court the day before. The decision of the body says that Moldova is a neutral country, and the principle of neutrality does not contradict its constitution and legislation.

"The presence of foreign troops on the territory of the Republic of Moldova at the time of declaring neutrality and in the absence of international recognition and guarantee of this status does not affect the validity of constitutional provisions on neutrality," the judges decided..

In their opinion, this means that the principle of neutrality is primary, and the presence in the territory of Moldova of a military contingent or military bases controlled by other states is unconstitutional. In the conclusion of the court it is noted that "about 11% of the territory of Moldova is occupied, and the Russian army was not withdrawn from the Transnistrian region".

The Constitutional Court at the same time allowed the Moldovan armed forces to participate in military operations outside its borders and in the system of collective security. "The principle of neutrality does not prevent the participation of Moldova in peacekeeping operations and military exercises aimed at increasing the army's combat capability in order to ensure the security of the country," the resolution says..

President of Moldova Igor Dodon criticized the decision of the Constitutional Court. According to him, it leaves room for various interpretations and political speculations. "This is not the first time this Constitutional Court bowed before the Unionists. It seems that the judges of the Constitutional Court wanted to observe the letter of the constitution, but also not to compromise Romanian citizenship, "the politician wrote on his Facebook page.

Dodon said that this message of judges makes him act more decisively to protect the neutrality and territorial integrity of the country. "The composition of the Constitutional Court will change, but the country will remain, and what the judges have questioned will remain," the head of state said..

A request to the Constitutional Court on the status of Russian peacekeepers was sent by deputies from the Liberal Party of Moldova. The claim was filed in May 2014. Liberals support the withdrawal of Russian military from Transnistria, the rejection of neutrality and NATO membership. The demand for transforming the peacekeeping operation in Transdniestria into a civilian multinational mission is made by other officials.

Russian peacekeepers were introduced into the zone of the Moldovan-Transnistrian conflict in accordance with the agreement "On the Principles of a Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict in the Transnistrian Region of the Republic of Moldova" of July 21, 1992. The task of the Russian military also includes the protection of military depots, where more than 20 thousand. Tons of ammunition brought here after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from European countries. Transnistrian authorities consider the Russian army a guarantor of security and stability in the region.