Moldova seeks greater US and EU role in Transnistria settlement

Hope for a peaceful solution to the separatist conflict in Moldova’s Transnistrian region lies in its demilitarization and democratization, while greater role is sought for the United States and the European Union in solving the dispute, - Moldovan ambassador to UN Alexandru Cujba told the General Assembly's meeting on Tuesday - Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the UN's site. “Implementation of democratic reforms, normalization of the economic and social climate to the right side of the Dniester will allow to accelerate the resolution of the Transnistrian problem,” Alexandru Cujba said, calling for an increased role for the United States and the European Union (EU) in resolving the dispute. The ambassador also talked about the role of Moldova, which will “revive its efforts towards withdrawing foreign troops from the country, towards replacing the present peacekeeping operation with a multinational mission with a mandate, towards achieving integration of the country in all socio-economic segments by encouraging wide participation of the non-governmental sector.” Cujba recalled the initiatives put forward by Moldova in 2007 to build confidence between the banks of the Nistru, to ensure free movement and modernize the infrastructure in the region. “Unfortunately, the so-called Transnistrian authorities boycotted time and again these initiatives through introducing illegal customs taxes,” as well as violating Moldovan citizens’ right to study their native language, he noted, adding that Moldova will press ahead with negotiations to resolve the problem.