Moldova is forced to fight not only for its territorial integrity, but also for the existence of the state, says experts

The Republic of Moldova is put in the situation to fight not only for its territorial integrity, but also for the existence of the state, because the relations between Russia and the West will worsen after Kosovo proclaimed its independence and as a result Moldova could become a victim of secret deals, the Master of Politology Roman Mihaes told Info-Prim Neo. The authorities in Tiraspol have not yet commented on the unilateral proclamation of independence by Kosovo, waiting probably for instructions from Moscow. But it is apparent that they will try to profit from the Kosovo precedent, Mihaes said. The expert cites an article that appeared in the newspaper “Nezavisimaia Gazeta” on February 18 and makes reference to a source from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The source expresses hope that Chisinau and Moscow will reach an agreement over the Transnistrian dispute, basing on the supposition that if Moscow recognised Transnistria unilaterally, Moldova could very quickly unite with Romania. The argument is not illogical, says Mihaes, because Moldova was recognised by the international community together with the territory that is now controlled by the separatist regime. If Transnistria is recognised by Russia and a part of its satellites, Moldova will be a new state with a new territory and with a motivation of statehood that will be different from the one that existed when it proclaimed its independence. According to Mihaes, it is very important that the administration of the country understands that it must not take swift steps towards solving the Transnistrian dispute as Moldova can lose the secessionist region in a short period of time. The governors, afraid of the Kosovo precedent, could be tempted to solve the conflict according to a model that will suit Moscow, by which Transnistria and Gagauzia, according to the principle of symmetry, would receive the status of subjects of federation equal with Chisinau’s status, the expert says. In this case, Moscow and Tiraspol could employ the two-step tactic – to make Moldova recognise Transnistria as subject of internal law and by incidence of international law and to obtain a short coexistence of the type Serbia-Montenegro that will be followed by separation by referendum as in the case of Montenegro. According to the cited source, it would be suitable for Chisinau to grant Transnistria a legal regime similar to Gagauzia’s, of autonomy. If Russia really wants to help Moldova reestablish its territorial integrity, it should support this model, Roman Mihaest considers. Kosovo's parliament unanimously endorsed a declaration of independence from Serbia, in a historic session on February 17. Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci promised a democracy that respected the rights of all ethnic communities. Kosovo’s independence is backed by the United States and a part of the Europeans states. Russia and other EU member states, including Greece and Spain, said they will not recognize Kosovo.