President: Russia is more constructive about the Transnistrian dispute

The standpoint of Russia in what concerns the Transnistrian issue has become more constructive, and we have overcome several problems which were troubling Moldova in 2003, when talks about the Transnistria settlement were restricted to federalisation, President Vladimir Voronin told a news conference. Russia has become more constructive in questions of transformation of its peacekeeper forces in Transnistria. All the recent discussions with the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, proved the desire of Russia to support the settlement of the Transnistrian dispute, Voronin stated. At the same time, he said that Russia has strongly toughened its standpoint with respect to Transnistria in financial issues. The head of state denied assertions about the alleged existence of a secret plan of Transnistrian conflict settlement. How can a plan be implemented if it is secret? Voronin asked, saying that these rumors are spread by those who do not want to see the conflict settled. Also, Voronin said that the settlement of the Transnistrian dispute should be carried out according to the Constitution and legislation in operation. Chisinau continues to plead for resuming the “5+2” format negotiations. Two months ago, Voronin told a Russia-based media institution that the political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict is hindered by criminal organisations. In order to untie these interests, it is simply necessary for the political will of Kremlin, especially of Russia’s high officials. Voronin was also saying that separatist leaders in Tiraspol are only puppets, and the puppet masters are in Moscow. “The keys to the settlement of the conflict should be searched in Moscow”, he said back then.