The joint candidate of the center-right Parties at presidential elections, Maia Sandu, says that she will do everything possible to withdraw the Russian troops from Moldova. His opponent, Igor Dodon, said that the Russian troops would be withdrawn only after the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. Statements were made last night in the electoral debates on the public TV channel "Moldova 1".

"It is not normal to have foreign troops on the territory of a state. If it comes to peacekeeping troops, then they must be composed of soldiers of several states. Will do my best, I will seek the support of governments of other countries, as Russian troops to be evacuated," said the candidate for the seat of president.
 
Maia Sandu also said that, unlike her opponent, who wants federalization, she believes that through discussions and negotiations we can reach a consensus on granting a special status for Transnistria.
 
In turn, Igor Dodon said that if he becomes President, after the new year he will begin negotiations for identification of a special status of the Transnistrian region. As for the Russian troops located there, he said that they will be withdrawn only after the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. 
 
"The Transnistrian problem and this conflict appeared in the early '90s, when at the Government were the unionists who advocated for the liquidation of the state, just as my opponent advocates now. What are the solutions? Some say: let us repudiate Transnistria, put on the Dniester a border. It is a mistake, because our citizens are living there. Others, more courageous, from the present government say they have to take them by force. Bring NATO troops, but that is another mistake. In this case we have an armed conflict within the country. I believe we must give a special status for Transnistria. If this thing will be after the model of Gagauzia or not, we will see durring the negotiations. Federation or not? We, the citizens will decide this through a referendum," said Igor Dodon.
 
Igor Dodon, the candidate of the pro-Russian Party of Socialists of Moldova (PSRM), and Maia Sandu, candidate pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), are facing in the second round of the presidential elections that will take place on Sunday, in Moldova, which is considered crucial for the future of public opinion.