Russian loan to Moldova premature - source

CHISINAU, September 25 (Itar-Tass) -- A high-ranking Russian
diplomatic source in Moldova denied media claims that acting President
Mihai Ghimpu had agreed with visiting Kremlin Chief-of-Staff Sergei
Naryshkin on Thursday on a 500-million dollar loan, saying such claims
were premature.
"Russia treats with understanding the difficulties faced by friendly
Moldova and is ready to discuss possible terms of the loan. The discussion
of the issue will go in the context of further development of bilateral
trade and economic cooperation and implementation of joint mutually
advantageous projects," the source in the Russian embassy told Tass.
Besides Ghimpu, Naryshkin met nominated Prime Minister Vlad Filat and
likely future President Marian Lupu and said they all stand for the
development of friendly relations with Russia. He also met former
Communist President Vladimir Voronin.
"Party leaders who I met confirmed the importance of preserving the
historic friendly relations and the development of pragmatic and mutually
beneficial cooperation," Naryshkin said.
"My consultations yielded a good result," he added and recalled that
Russia would like Moldova " to remain a neutral country, to abide by the
principles of international law, respect and develop ethnic variety."
Filat said he handed over to Naryshkin an outline of the program of
the new government that is to be appointed on Friday.
"During the meeting we discussed bilateral relations between Moldova
and Russia and mentioned problems which our countries encounter,
specifically in the economic sphere. We enjoyed understanding and openness
of the Russian side on the problems," Filat said.
-0-nec