Russia's Boris Gryzlov: No form, but content matters in settling Transnistrian conflict

“It's not the form, but the content that matters in settling the Transnistrian conflict,” stated the speaker of the Russian Duma, Boris Gryzlov, after his meeting with his Moldovan counterpart Marian Lupu. Gryzlov is on an official visit to Moldova on Monday. “If the talks start by identifying the form of participation of the sides, it will be difficult to reach a compromise. It's a secondary matter what form it will have, after the content matters are determined: the economic ties, the people's movement, the customs, etc.,” the Russian officials said. “As a mediator, we back up Moldova's territorial integrity and the creation of the conditions for the sides to develop solutions, which would be acceptable both for Chisinau and for Tiraspol,” Gryzlov stated. The speaker has underlined the importance of resuming the talks on the Transnistrian settlement. “As the talks are not on now, finding a solution is impossible. I think, by the end of the summer, a new impetus was given for the talks between Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin and Transnistria's leader Igor Smirnov. At least there should be continuity, variants should be proposed. Further, the sides must necessarily go for each other”, Boris Gryzlov said. When asked how Moscow looks at Moldova's pro-European policy, the Duma speaker has stated Russia has never excluded itself from the European processes, being an important part of Europe. “At the same time, Russia is the guarantor of whole Europe in terms of energy safety.” Gryzlov underlines his delegation consists of representatives of a many Russian political parties what, in his opinion, speaks about the consolidation of all the political forces in terms of developing the Moldo-Russian bilateral ties. He has remarked the interparliamentary relationships are more and more efective. He also has pointed out that the Moldo-Russian economic relationships are successfully developing, proving by the rising trade exchanges, exceeding $1 billion in 2007. “This year, given the rhythms, we estimate we'll reach $1.7 billion,” Gryzlovsaid. Moldovan speaker Marian Lupu has stated they have discussed the principles of the Transnistrian settlement: Moldova's sovereignty and integrity. “I think the rich contents we have discussed about will allow to intensify the interparliamentary cooperation for the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, by talks,” Marian Lupu said. “During our discussion, we remarked the quality, relevance and intensity of the dialog between the parliaments. Economy has been another key issue. The question is about energy, joint measures to avoid the consequences of the world financial crisis, the trade, etc.,” the Parliament's President said. Boris Gryzlov is officially touring Moldova on October 27-28. On October 28, Boris Gryzlov will meet President Vladimir Voronin.