Talks in Tiraspol in a “1+1 format” failed to bring about consensus on energy matters, even if the discussions were “concrete” and were held in a “calm atmosphere”, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian told a press conference Friday.

“We have agreed that groups of energy experts from both sides of the Nistru will analyze in the coming days certain technical, but also legal details that would help us solve this problem, at least partially. We also touched on the subject of a joint assessment of risks that may arise in the event of disruption of Russian gas supplies for various reasons. At this moment, unfortunately, we have to consider all possible scenarios, including the worst case one”, said Oleg Serebrian.

The deputy prime minister said that he agreed with Tiraspol’s chief negotiator on a new round of talks in the near future, where the energy situation will be discussed in more detail. “In general, today’s meeting, although without tangible results on the energy issue, still leaves room for hopes that certain things can be done to ease the burden of the energy crisis for the citizens on both banks of the Nistru”.

Oleg Serebrian said that Tiraspol asked for the agenda to be extended with topics such as the import of food and pharmaceutical products, banking matters, or the environmental permit for the Rybnitsa Steelworks. Chisinau, too, wants additions to the agenda, including the administrative difficulties encountered by the Evrica School in Rybnitsa, which has been unable to pay its utility bills for the last two months.
 
“On the import of essential products, I demonstrated to the delegation from Tiraspol that there is no basis to accuse Chisinau of ill will, economic pressures or actions that could lead to increased tensions. Import volumes haven’t changed compared to last year”, the deputy prime minister added.