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."
I don’t think we should be attaching price tags to individual countries or borders. Nevertheless, our sphere of influence and security should be well defined. In order for the world to remain relatively stable there needs to be clear boundaries re-established and consequences for crossing them and associated costs made clear. Obama’s dithering has made for the most unstable foreign policy since 1802
“I don’t think we should be attaching price tags to individual countries or borders.”
That’s very moving. But lets put it another way. If Texas was an independent nation, how much should Austin tax everyone to support the borders of Moldova?
I think its fine to place some price tags. And we should NEVER spend a dime more than the EU is willing to spend there.
Ask me again when Texas is an independent nation, and I will be happy to offer an opinion.
Fear Not, You no need put money in my pocket. Zlad is coming to save the day. Long live Moldova!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhyDYQ081U#t=51
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