(ANSA-AFP) - CHISINAU, JAN 24 - Moldova's Foreign Minister
Nicu Popescu stepped down in a surprise move Wednesday after
helping steer the former Soviet republic towards EU membership.
Last month European Union leaders agreed to open formal
membership talks with small nation which borders Ukraine. "It is
with mixed feelings that I announce that I have decided to hand
in my resignation", Popescu -- who was also deputy prime
minister -- told a press conference in the capital Chisinau. The
42-year-old said he "needed a break", but vowed to stand by his
ally President Maia Sandu, who is seeking a second term this
year. Popescu is one of Moldova's most pro-EU politicians.
(ANSA-AFP).
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