26 October 1994

Doc. 7188

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the withdrawal of the 14th Russian Army from the territory of the Republic of Moldova

presented by Mr MOTIU, Romania, and others

      Among the main events after the end of the Cold War was the retreat of foreign troops from territories they do not belong to. As a result of the breakdown of the Soviet bloc, Russian troops as well as the allied ones left their bases and went home, except for some spots where they still remain in force.

      We, the undersigned, members of the Assembly, cannot forget that the 14th Army of the Soviet Union was meant to invade and occupy half of Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Now that the Warsaw Pact is out of date and Russia is applying for Council of Europe membership, it is quite normal that such an army, even if not dismantled, is at least held back from its attack positions. Now this army is on an independent state's territory, that is also applying for membership of the Council of Europe. We consider as extremely strange if not menacing that the 14th Russian Army is maintained on Moldavian territory.

      We ask the Assembly to resolve that one condition for Russia's membership of the Council of Europe should be the withdrawal of this army to Russian territory.

Signed:

(see overleaf)

Signed:

Motiu, Romania

Newall, United Kingdom, EDG

Latronico, Italy, LDR

Golu, Romania, SOC

Radulescu-Botica, Romania, SOC

Buzatu, Romania, UEL

Saint Cyr, Sweden, EDG

Požéla, Lithuania, LDR

Severin, Romania, SOC

Parisi, Italy, EPP

Mocioi, Romania, UEL

Dromberg, Finland, EDG

Hardy, United Kingdom, SOC

*       SOC : Socialist Group

      EPP : Group of the European People's Party

      EDG : European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL : Group of the Unified European Left