The Transnistrian region cannot purchase gas from the European market because businesses in the region do not have accounts in dollars and euros. This statement was made by the leader of Tiraspol, Vadim Krasnoselski, during a meeting with OSCE head Elina Valtonen, IPN reports.
"Physically, we cannot buy gas, not because we don't have money, but because we don't have accounts to pay in dollars and euros for gas", said Krasnoselski.
The Tiraspol leader accused Chisinau of closing the accounts of Transnistrian businesses, while also calling for the removal of taxes and the lifting of export restrictions.
Vadim Krasnoselski and Elina Valtonen met in Tiraspol on Thursday, January 9, to discuss the energy situation in the Transnistrian region and the settlement process of the conflict.
The OSCE head expressed gratitude to the European Union for providing the opportunity to negotiate under the provisions of the DCFTA, but one of the conditions is that Transnistrian businesses must register in Moldova according to a special algorithm. After registration, Moldovan banks are supposed to open accounts for the businesses, but Moldova has closed their accounts.
During the meeting, the OSCE head also stated that Moldova could help the region by opening bank accounts, unblocking the banking system, unblocking foreign economic activity, and abolishing double taxes.
Moldovagaz and Energocom announced on Thursday that they are ready to offer technical and commercial assistance to the Tiraspoltransgaz enterprise from the left bank of the Dniester in purchasing natural gas from the European market.
Tiraspol had previously rejected Chisinau's offer to supply gas purchased from the European market, stating that it had managed to make its own reserves of about 13 million cubic meters of gas, which would last for 20 days in the southern part of the region and 10 days in the northern areas, primarily intended for social institutions. 115,000 apartments are receiving limited natural gas, enough only for cooking.
The OSCE President was on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova on January 9. Valtonen had meetings with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian, the leader of Tiraspol Vadim Krasnoselski, and the so-called foreign minister of the region, Vitali Ignatiev. Discussions focused on the energy situation, regional security, including the Transnistrian issue, and cooperation within the OSCE.
