Administrative decentralization in the Transnistrian region can be a model for resolving the dispute between the two sides of the Nistru River, considers former EU special representative for Moldova Kálmán Mizsei. In an interview for Radio Free Europe, the ambassador said the central authorities cannot be paralyzed by some of the regulations included in the Kozak memorandum such as the right of veto, bicameral parliament, Transnistria and Gagauzia and the right side of the Nistru to be subjects with equal rights as these things are unacceptable to the largest part of Moldova’s population, IPN reports.
“It is important for this thing to be done correctly when a Transnistrian conflict settlement is reached so that the state becomes more powerful, not weaker,” stated Kálmán Mizsei.
According to him, there is a second problem that should be recognized: now the state bodies in Moldova are very weak following the witnessed political crises. If a solution to the Transnistrian dispute is identified in the given situation, this will not be good to anyone. “Surely, the situation in the Transnistrian region is worse. That’s why it is important to do solid reforms here and there, supported by the European Union, because there is no constructive position in this regard in the Russian area,” said the ex-special representative of the EU for Moldova.
The ambassador noted that the ‘special status’ for the Transnistrian region must envision very broad decentralization for the region, but with one center of power in the state. “This is the best solution. Surely, the Russians will do their best to obtain a special status. If the content of this status does not enable the central authorities to function normally, this will cause problems,” stated Kálmán Mizsei.
He considers that Russia uses the army on Moldova’s territory as a factor for exerting pressure on the partners. But its presence is not compatible with the neutrality status of the Republic of Moldova. That’s why if the status of the Transnistrian region is negotiated, the so-called contingent of peacekeepers must be replaced with a civil, police one that will be international, not Russian.
