In Russia-West tug of war, Moldova sees EU as only option

Chisinau, Moldova

MOLDOVA'S decision to sign key trade and political agreements with the European Union (EU) has cost it dearly, as its giant trading partner Russia swiftly punished it through an embargo strangling its farm and wine industries.

Nevertheless, in the tug of war between the West and Russia, Moldova's foreign minister told AFP that there can only be one option for the former Soviet state - EU membership. "It is more important today than ever to offer a European prospect to Moldova, in the context of the tensed regional situation which poses a number of challenges," Natalia Gherman said.