MOLDOVAN AIRBASE FOR NATO-RELATED CIVILIAN ACTIVITIES.

Moldova’s Defense Ministry yesterday dismissed recent Transdniester accusations, aired in Moscow, that Moldova intends to make the Marculesti military base available to NATO forces. The ministry’s Military Policy Director, Col. Nicolae Turtureanu, stated that Moldova seeks investors to modernize the ex-Soviet airbase for use by civilian aviation and for purely civilian activities within NATO’s Partnership for Peace. Chisinau proposes similarly to convert the Tiraspol military airport after the withdrawal of Russian troops, the official said. (Flux, Itar-Tass, March 25)

Georgia Watches Russian Warships Chasing Turkish Trawlers.