BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) 鈥� Romania鈥檚 defense minister Vasile Dincu resigned Monday, citing difficulties working with the country鈥檚 president who's also chief of the NATO country's armed forces.
Dincu鈥檚 resignation comes a week after sparking controversy by suggesting that Ukraine鈥檚 only chance for peace would be in negotiating with Russia, in contrast to Romania's official stance.
Dincu, a member of the ruling Social Democrat party (PSD) who has held the post in the coalition government for almost a year, said on Facebook that he sent his resignation letter to Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca.
Romania, a European Union and NATO member that borders war-torn Ukraine, has become an increasingly important western ally since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24. Feb, and hosts multinational battlegroups and air defense systems for the 30-nation security alliance.
Dincu explained his decision to resign as necessary to avoid hindering decision-making in military programs and 鈥渢o not block a number of projects absolutely necessary for the optimal function鈥� in the defense ministry and army.
No interim minister or successor has yet been announced.
Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of PSD, said Monday that he has requested incumbent Prime Minister Ciuca, a former defense minister, to step in as interim 鈥渂ecause Romania is obliged to ensure stability on the eastern flank of NATO.鈥�
Associated Press, The Associated Press
