Optimal model for Transnistrian settlement would be a union-state: Tiraspol speaker

The optimal model to settle the Transnistrian conflict would be the creation of a union-state, stated the president of the Transnistrian legislature, Yevgeni Shevchuk at a meeting with representatives of the European Journalism Center, Info-Prim Neo reports. “This variant is hard to achieve, since Moldova has not demonstrated anything in terms of development for all these years,” Shevchuk is quoted by Transnistria's Olvia-press as saying. The Tiraspol speaker told the European journalists the Transnistrian side has always been ready for dialog with Moldova, as between two equals. The talks will be a success, only if the Moldovan side reviews its Law on the basic principles of the statute of the districts from the Nistru's left bank, adopted in 2005, which offers Transnistria the fate of a restricted autonomy, like Gagauzia's one, Yevgeni Shevchuk said. “It's not fair to seek compromises by adopting unilateral solutions. Moldova already has a negative example of autonomization – Gagauzia,” the Transnistrian speaker pointed out. Referring to Russia's position on settling the conflict, Shevchuk stated Russia had always had a balanced attitude and had acted in accordance with the signed accords. “Russia insists on respecting these agreements without threats and aggression in relation with both sides. In my opinion, Russia sticks neither to our position, not to Moldova's position,” Yevgeni Shevchuk said. The military clashes along the Nistru took place in the spring and summer of 1992. A cease-fire agreement was signed by the presidents of Moldova and Russia on July 21, 1992. In 1999, at the Istanbul summit of the OSCE, Russia committed to withdraw its armament and troops from Transnistria, but has never honored the commitment. On October 5, the Liberal Party will organize a motorcade across Moldova thus demanding the withdrawal of the Russian army from the Moldovan soil.