German Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Hubert Knirsch, has issued a clarification regarding comments he made during a live interview on Jurnal TV on July 9, after the statements generated widespread criticism and public debate.

In a public message, Ambassador Knirsch said the controversy stemmed from a misunderstanding of one of his remarks, for which he takes responsibility. He also noted that the simultaneous translation contributed to the confusion.

According to the ambassador, journalist Vitalie Călugăreanu asked him about the so-called “Plan B” – the possibility of unification with Romania. Knirsch replied that such a decision is a matter solely for the Republic of Moldova and Romania to determine.

He explained that, while formulating the question, the journalist referred to the fact that people in the Republic of Moldova speak the same language and share the same religion as those in Romania. In response, the ambassador said that there are indeed people who speak the same language, but also people who are bilingual and people of different religious backgrounds. He stressed that his intention was to highlight European fundamental values, which place respect for every individual at the center.

However, Knirsch noted that the simultaneous translation altered the meaning of his remarks. According to him, the phrase “but also other people” was translated as “but others may think differently about it,” while his statement that “there are people that speak two languages” was rendered as “there are two languages.”

The German diplomat emphasized that he never intended to question either the unity of the Romanian language or the unity of the Christian Orthodox faith.

“It was not my intention to question the unity of the Romanian language or of the Christian Orthodox faith,” he stated, adding that prior to the interview he had met with representatives of the Roma community and had visited the Jewish cemetery in Mărculești.

Ambassador Knirsch also pointed out that the disputed remarks were made during the final minute of a lengthy live interview, leaving him no opportunity to further explain his position. He further noted that subsequent media reports and commentaries were published without seeking additional clarification from him.

At the same time, the ambassador accepted responsibility for the public reaction generated by the interview.

“The responsibility for the public commotion, nonetheless, is all mine,” Hubert Knirsch concluded.