The European Union (EU) trusts the Moldovan authorities' ability to investigate information that Russian operatives on the territory of Serbia trained individuals to cause unrest in Moldova ahead of the upcoming elections, European Commission spokeswoman Anita Hipper said in Brussels today.
When asked how Russian training of people in Serbia to destabilize Moldova affects trust between the EU and Serbia, Hiper said that Moldovan authorities informed the Union that the training was taking place on Serbian territory.
"According to data from the Moldovan authorities, 74 people have been arrested, who are cooperating with the police. We have full confidence in the ability of the Moldovan authorities to conduct the investigation without external interference," Hiper said at a press conference.
Asked about Russian activities in Moldova ahead of the uncertain parliamentary elections on September 28, Hiper said Moscow was "deeply interfering in the electoral process" in the country, adding that Moldova was "facing an unprecedented disinformation campaign led by Russia."
Regarding the recent report by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that the European Union is preparing a violent change of government ("Maidan") in Serbia on November 1, Hiper said that the EU will not engage in commenting on Russian propaganda and disinformation.
"This is yet another, one of many shameful attempts by Russia to spread disinformation and hostile political rhetoric against the EU and its members, but also against candidate countries for membership," said Hiper, when asked whether the relationship between the EU and Serbia is being affected by Vučić's thanking of the SVR "for the information" and announcing additional communication between the competent services of the two countries.
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