Russia's ban of Moldovan wines unfriendly, says Moldovan presiden

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BUCHAREST, Sept. 11 -- Russia's embargo on Moldovan wines represented an unfriendly act, said Moldovan President Nicolae Timofti Wednesday.

"I don't know the real reason for such a decision. It is the quality of the wine or a coincidence now that the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit is approaching," said the president when commenting on Russia's decision to ban the import of Moldovan wine products.

"The actions taken by the Russian side represent an unfriendly, non-Christian, non-brotherly act," stressed Timofti.

"If Russia makes use of such instruments for Moldova to be together with them, it is their business," underlined the head of state, adding that "we will thus take measures to obtain alternative sources of gas and to ensure access to other markets."

"We should not depend on one partner only," said Timofti.

Russia's food safety body Rospotrebnadzor on Wednesday announced officially to put a new embargo on the import of Moldovan wines, because they do not comply with the quality norms.

Local analysts described Russia's actions as political pressure, as Moldova will initial the Association Agreement with the European Union at the Vilnius Summit in November.

The Moldovan government expressed its regret over Russia's decision and decided to ask the Russian part to start consultations for working out a system that will allow supplying alcoholic beverages from Moldova, in line with the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement within the Commonwealth of Independent States, according to a governmental release.

Moldova has diversified its sales markets, after the first embargo introduced by the Russia in 2006. Yet, the Russian Federation remains the leading consumer of Moldovan wines. Official statistics data show that Moldova exports to the Russian Federation 28 percent of its wines and 22 percent of brandies, with an annual sales turnover of 60 million U.S. dollars.

Russia's comment on the Moldovan president's remarks was not soon to be available.

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