UPDATE - Moldova summons Russia’s envoy over polling stations in its breakaway Transnistria region

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM MOLDOVAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Moldova summoned Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Vasnetsov on Tuesday following media reports that the embassy is planning to set up polling stations in the country's breakaway Transnistria region for this week's presidential election in Russia.

"During the meeting, the Russian diplomat will be informed of the position of disapproval of the decision regarding the opening of polling stations of the Russian Federation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said in a statement before summoning him.

After the visit, Vasnetsov told reporters that several polling stations will be opened in Transnistria for the presidential election later this week.

The Moldovan government protested the opening of polling stations in Transnistria, the Foreign Ministry said, accusing Russia of "breaching the norms and principles of international law and undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova."

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to evaluate the situation and will provide additional information about other necessary reactions," the statement read.

Last month, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said in an interview with TVR Moldova that his country has banned the establishment of polling stations for the Russian presidential election outside of its embassy premises.

“If an attempt is made to organize the election anywhere else, this will be counterproductive,” Popsoi said.

The breakaway Transnistria region has been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s but is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.

The Russian presidential election, the first three-day presidential vote in the country's history, will take place from March 15 to 17. Incumbent President Vladimir Putin seeks a fifth term in office.