A last-minute Russian plan to put a military base in Moldova was the reason the country's president refused to sign onto a 2003 accord with Moscow.
The plan would have settled the Transdniestrian conflict. Interfax reports Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin revealed the reason Moldova didn't sign was that the plan included a provision that violated its constitution.
The Transdniestrian region -- to the east of Moldova -- separates Moldova from Ukraine.
Voronin said just hours before he was to sign the treaty he found a new page that called for a Russian base to be in his country for 20 years.
Reintegration Minister Vasile Sova said the country aims to be a neutral state and will not join military alliances with anyone.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International

