This year’s dialogue with the Transnistrian region was more intense, Radu Vrabie

This year, the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol has been more efficient. Discussions within trust enhancing groups have intensified and the negotiations regarding Nistru Euro-region have started. This will engage the Transnistrian region in a dialogue, instead of isolating it as previously. This is the key to unblock the current situation, according to Radu Vrabie, program director at the Foreign Policy Association (APE). The expert said during a press club that one of Chisinau’s achievements was obtaining the highest degree of support from European partners. “The future government must not give up this path. Moldova must remain the most transparent and open partner in order to attract European partners’ support. Without it, we won’t be able to settle this down”, he said. When speaking about the relationship with Russia, Vrabie mentioned Moldova had counted on a partnership based on mutual respect and common interests. “Well, all in all, I think this has been achieved. First of all, the myth that Moldova had an anti-Russian government has been proven false. The intensity of dialogue between the two countries was good and, at times, the relationship was even better than during the previous government”, Radu Vrabie said. The APE expert stressed the importance of European, especially German, support for Russia to engage in a dialogue including the settlement of Transnistrian conflict and the replacement of the Russian military peace troops with international civil observers. Radu Vrabie also mentioned that there had been some tensions in the relationship with Russia, namely Moldova’s non-participation in May 9 parade and the June 28 decree. “I don’t want to comment on these actions, but Russia’s reaction and its foreign policy concept which doesn’t allow the interpretation of history have proven us these are important issues for Russia, which is ready to take harsh measures towards states that don’t respect this concept. Thankfully, despite a new “wine wars” episode, things have settled”, Radu Vrabie said. He declared next year’s dialogue must follow the same path without uselessly challenging Russia for symbolic and ideological battles that would only damage the bilateral relationship.