Two top Russian officials have made a surprise visit to Moldova to hold talks with leaders there because Russia wants "an efficient government" in the former Soviet republic after inconclusive elections last week.
The Russians would like the pro-Moscow Communist Party which won more seats than any other party to be in government.
A three-party pro-European alliance which has governed Moldova since July 2009 won more votes in the Nov. 28 ballot, but is two seats short in Parliament of the 61 it needs to elect a president.
The officials, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergei Naryshkin and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin arrived late Saturday saying they wanted "an efficient government." They will meet all leaders Sunday except Prime Minister Vlad Filat.(The Associated Press)
