The Russian Federation put forward a series of proposals for normalizing work in the 5+2 format and avoiding new stalemates in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process. The proposals are intended for the Moldovan authorities, the Transnistrian administration and the observers and mediators in the 5+2 format, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association (APE) Victor Chirila said in a press club meeting at IPN.
According to the expert, the last time the talks in the 5+2 format were suspended in 2014 following Russia’s and Transnistrian administration’s dissatisfaction with the efficiency of this format. “Now Russia considers that the pause was too long and it’s time for this format to be re-launched, but not before Chisinau and Tiraspol meet particular conditions,” stated Victor Chirila.
He noted that the Russian side urged the Moldovan authorities and the Transnistrian administration to work out a document with guarantees for the implementation of the accords that will be reached in the 5+2 format. “The Russian side also suggests that Tiraspol and Chisinau should assume the following obligations: avoid actions that can deteriorate the situation of both of the sides in the economic and social spheres; facilitate regular meetings between the working groups of Tiraspol and Chisinau, and these should have sufficient power to resolve important issues from the common agenda,” said the expert.
The Russian side considers the situation concerning the criminal cases started against representatives of the Transnistrian administration and of the Moldovan authorities should be normalized. “The Russian side proposes that Chisinau and Tiraspol should exchange the lists of persons who are investigated and should announce a moratorium on the initiation of criminal investigations by both of the sides, and should also instruct the working group dealing with such issues to think up a compromise solution,” stated Victor Chirila.
The expert said the guarantees asked by Russia are designed to avoid the deterioration of the status quo in the region. “Russia clearly sees that the economic influence of the European Union grows. The Transnistrian region, volens-nolens, has to form part of the same integration, regionalization and regional trade development processes under the aegis of the European Union,” noted Victor Chirila.
He added that Russia is interested in maintaining and strengthening its influence in the Transnistrian region, but also wants to control particular actions of the Moldovan central authorities in relation to Tiraspol through the region.
