5+2 format is without alternative, Iurie Leanca

The 5+2 format of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks is currently without alternative, despite the problems and shortcomings in this process, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leanca said in the last meeting of the Chisinau Press Club, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. According to the minister, the external dimension of the format should be more intensely used, even if it has been amplified in recent times. ”We live in a world where there are interests and nothing is obtained free. There are certain relations and rights as well as responsibilities. If you want to enjoy rights you must assume responsibilities. Transnistria benefits from a number of advantages, as a component part of Moldova, even if it does not officially recognize this status. For example, the economic entities in Transnistria benefit from the regime established between Moldova and the EU. If they enjoy rights, they should also assume certain responsibilities,” said Iurie Leanca. ”If they do not want to assume responsibilities, we must consider what levers can be employed. I hope you heard about Chisinau’s offer to Tiraspol to build 13 or 14 social centers on the left bank of the Nistru River. Tiraspol rejected the offer, arguing that this can endanger Transnistria‘s ‘national security’. This is only an example showing that, owing to Tiraspol’s attitude, we do not manage to make progress in agreeing the status of Transnistria and do not manage to find solutions to the daily problems faced by our citizens leaving on the two banks of the Nistru. Why do we need this 5+2 format then? The format means that when we cannot find a solution, our partners can help us. How? By providing financial and political support. But they also have certain levers. We consider that the partners from the West and those from the East have levers applicable to Transnistria. I do not mean an economic embargo, which in fact does not exist. But those in Transnistria should realize that they cannot only benefit from rights,” said the minister. He referred to the lack of informational exchange between the two banks of the Nistru. “You say that the people living on the left bank do not want to become integrated. How should they want it if there is significant brainwashing and misinformation? I’m convinced that nobody in the settlements where these social centers or health centers are to be erected know that the Government of Moldova treats the Transnistrians in the same way as it treats the people living on the right bank. The Government wanted to spend some money received from outside and own resources and I assure you that if the Transnistrians had known about this, they would have had another attitude towards the reintegration issue,” said the minister. He stated that until recently the Moldovan constitutional authorities had a poorly-structured approach. “It lacked consistency and we thus focused on certain elements without trying to adopt a general approach. If we follow this road, we will not be able to build that critical mass that will enable to change perceptions there. Why should they want to be reintegrated into Moldova? Do we have higher salaries, more workplaces, special conditions and other prospects? Thus, I see no alternative to the current negotiation process and format. But, besides negotiations, we must initiate more activities to take the existing opportunities,” Iurie Leanca said in the meeting of the Press Club. The participants in the 5+2 format negotiation process are set to meet in Moscow today, June 21. It is expected that the formal talks will be resumed there, after a six-year pause. The meetings held until now had the status of unofficial dialogue. The 5+2 format includes Moldova and Transnistria as conflicting sides, the OSCE, Russia and Ukraine as mediators, and the U.S. and EU as observers, Info-Prim Neo reports.