Moldova: Russian sanctions 'counterproductive'

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Bucharest, Romania • Moldova's top diplomat has criticized Russian sanctions against his nation, at a meeting to promote regional trade and political dialogue.

Natalia Gherman, Moldova's acting foreign minister, spoke Friday at the end of a meeting of the 12-member Black Sea Economic Cooperation, which was overshadowed by political tensions as Russia took over the chairmanship from Romania.

While other countries were represented by foreign ministers, Turkey and Ukraine — whose relations have deteriorated with Moscow — sent their ambassadors.

Russia placed an embargo on some Moldovan fruit and vegetables after it signed a trade and political agreement with the European Union in June 2014.

Gherman called it "a counterproductive move. ... Moldova did nothing to provoke sanctions."

Some 62 percent of Moldova's trade is now with the EU.