Posted on 03/30/2014 7:39:27 PM PDT by DeaconBenjamin
PARIS: The United States on Sunday pledged $10 million to bolster border security in Moldova at a time when concerns are rising about divisions within the country over a trade deal with Europe and Russia's intervention in neighbouring Ukraine.
The pro-western Moldavan government is pushing ahead with an EU trade deal by the summer despite the increasing debate on whether to integrate with Europe or stick with former Soviet master Russia.
It was the rejection of the same EU deal in November by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich that triggered street protests against his rule after he balked under the threat of economic retaliation from Moscow.
US assistance secretary for Europe Victoria Nuland announced the new US funding during a visit to Moldova on Sunday before she flew to Paris for a meeting between US secretary of state John Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.
The Paris meeting is aimed at defusing tensions between Moscow and the west over Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and making it part of Russia.
"Today I am delighted to announce that the United States will contribute an additional $10 million to support Moldavan border security efforts," Nuland told a news conference, according to a transcript provided by the state department.
This was in addition ongoing funding for non-proliferation objectives and border security, she said.
"This is a time of some stress in this neighbourhood. It's clear to everybody," she said.
The United States strongly supports Moldova's moves to strengthen its relationship with Europe through the trade deal, which is expected to be sealed by the summer.
In language similar to what the United States has used on Ukraine, Nuland said: "It is no accident that I am here today to make clear American support for those same principles here in Moldova — for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country, for the right of Moldova and Moldovans to choose their own future."
Even as we speak, dozens of MREs (Meals Rejected by Estonians) are on their way.
$10m? I thought $9m was too much for us to spend on a fence
When will the Euros pony up?
It’s their frickin’ continent.
Because we’re Uncle Sugar with an unlimited Chicom credit line?
Yeah, we sure could use that fence and those MREs here.
It is a crap game. With snake eyes the winner.
I was thinking Dominoes.
“Today I am delighted to announce that the United States will contribute an additional $10 million to support Moldavan border security efforts,”
Their border security paid for by you, US taxpayers; rather, by IOUs.
Good choice.
I would re read the contract carefully.
How about spending $10 million to help ensure the territorial integrity of our Southern border?
Knowing Nuland, she’d give it to the Mexican government.
God help us,, Nuland is on the move again.
What’s so sad is that the United States has signaled that Moldavia is worth no more than $10M to us.
Maybe the deal with the EU sucks enough for these countries or at least some members to have distinct concerns about it. It’s all about who they are giving their allegiances too. Can anyone honestly tell me whether it is better in the long run for them to go one way or another. To trust their sovereignty to the EU or to Russia? Definitely a choice between two evils!
I guess Obama lied about Putin called him in Saudi Arabia and he wasn’t going to attack anymore and wanted a way out.
Interesting. In the view of India, the US considers the annexation of Crimea is a done deal. All the sound and fury from Washington signifies nothing on the world stage.
Chump change. 10 million won't even buy a decent relief pitcher before Opening Day.
Chump change for sure, except I would bet that a good relief pitcher could be had for $10M by Opening Day
Well then what number do you think would be more reasonable? How much should Moldova be worth to the USA, in round dollars? And do you believe that number should be greater than the EU’s number?
(because that sounds kinda crazy)
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