OREANDA-NEWS. November 22, 2012. Agriculture and Food Minister Vasile Bumacov ordered the institution of an official investigation in order to establish the reasons for blocking the export of Moldovan goods to Russia. According to a press release of the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry, Bumacov suspended the deputy director of the Phytosanitary Agency, Lilian Istrati from office, during the investigation.

The ministry has opened a green line to which exporters may report abuses committed by controlling authorities. About 100 trucks transporting fruits and vegetables from Moldova were held on quality grounds, at the customs terminal in Bryansk, Russia, last week.

The ministry believes it became the victim "of a slandering and misinformation campaign", initiated by "those who intend at all costs to monopolise the exports of fruits and goods to Russia," the press release reads. The ministry makes no reference to specific individuals.

According to the ministry's press service, "a monopolisation and dictatorship attempt on exporters was made one year ago as well. The deputy director of the Phytosanitary Agency, Iurie Malanciuc was one of the initiators of the attempt. He was released from his function via an order of the agriculture and food minister".