Russian Ambassador: I hope journalist Ernest Vardanean's arrest will not affect 5+2 format talks

The Russian Ambassador to Moldova Valery Kuzmin hopes the arrest of freelance journalist Ernest Vardanean will not affect the talks in the 5+2 format. “The negotiations are likely to resume and no pressure should be exerted on them. The arrest is not a method of solving the problems encountered with the journalists,” the Ambassador said on April 14, Info-Prim Neo reports. Valery Kuzmin said he cannot comment on this subject, but stressed that though Transnistria is not a recognized state, it has functional state bodies. “From my viewpoint, the journalists should not be arrested. There are other methods of solving the related problems,” he said, adding that Ernest Vardanean holds Russian nationality as well. Kuzmin also said he hopes the Transnistrian authorities will soon clarify this case. Freelance journalist Ernest Vardanean was arrested by the Transnistrian secret services in front of his house on April 7. Three days later, a court in Tiraspol extended the arrest warrant for Vardanean for two months. The separatist authorities suspect the journalist of betraying the state and spying for Moldova. Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Victor Osipov condemned this case of human rights violation and asked the partners involved in the talks in the 5+2 format to take steps to contribute to Ernest Vardanean's release.