The candidate for President Igor Dodon believes the Transnistrian conflict can be settled politically by having the region as an integral part of the Republic of Moldova, but with a special status. “Transnistria does not have chances separately. Nobody will recognize the independence of Transnistria, especially because it is situated between Ukraine and Moldova. We should thus find a solution to go on together,” the candidate said in debates on Moldova 1 channel, being quoted by IPN.
Igor Dodon noted one can hold ten terms in office as a President and be unable to settle the Transnistrian conflict in the period. But a political solution can be identified one year, by dialogue. “The resolution of the Transnistrian conflict means strengthening of statehood,” he stated.
As to the withdrawal of the munitions from the Cobasna storehouse by the Russian Federation and of its troops, the candidate said Russia practically has no army there, if only several hundred or thousand offices who guard those stores. The munitions can be pulled out during a very short period of time, but Chisinau’s wish to have a dialogue is needed for the purpose.
“The Republic of Moldova is a neutral state, according to the Constitution, and we must do our best for foreign troops and ammunitions, either of NATO or of the Russian Federation, not to be present on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and Transnistria is the territory of the Republic of Moldova,” noted the candidate.
Igor Dodon said for the purpose he initiated discussions. In August 2019, the Russian minister of defense paid a working visit to the Republic of Moldova and, for the first time after 2003, there was made that statement that Russia is ready to withdraw all its munitions or to process them as many of them cannot be transported. “I’m firmly convinced that we will make rapid progress on this path. It is important that we also find a political solution to the Transnistrian dispute. I’m for a peaceful solution, but for this to be identified, we need a dialogue,” stated the candidate.
