Treating Transnistria as equal partner of Moldova in negotiation process is not based on international law principles, expert

The assertion that the Transnistrian republic should have the same rights as Moldova in the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks made by the Russian Ambassador in Chisinau Valery Kuzmin does not give credibility to a mediator like Russia, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association Victor Chirila has told Info-Prim Neo. A mediator should have an equidistant attitude in the negotiation process, the expert said. Victor Chirila stated the position expressed by the Russian Ambassador is not new as Russia has insisted on treating Transnistrian as an equal partner of Moldova for many years and it can be found in many documents, including the Kozak memorandum. “I think that the Russian officials, even Ambassador Kuzmin, now became more insistent in this respect. They more often reiterate the necessity of recognizing Transnistria as Moldova's equal partner and this should arouse our authorities' concern,” Victor Chirila said. He also said there should be made a clear distinction between the equality of the teams of negotiators at the talks and the equality of Transnistria and Moldova. “Mister Kuzmin and other Russian officials forget that Transnistria is not an international player, but a breakaway republic, while the Republic of Moldova is an internationally recognized state. Thus, Moldova has certain obligations and rights, while Transnistria does not,” he said. The analyst says there is also a difference between Moldova and Transnistria at political level. “Democracy has developed in Moldova during 20 years. There were held democratic elections. The governments were changed and the political elites renewed. No such things took place in Transnistria. In fact, in Transnistria we have a simulacrum of democracy. It has different parties and a legislative body, but they are strictly controlled by the Transnistrian regime. The political competition is not free and fair as there is no access to information and freedom of expression,” Victor Chirila said. The expert considers that Russia probably has a long-term strategy that envisions the creation of a reintegrated state where Transnistria would have the same status as the rest of Moldova. “Thus, the insistence that Transnistria should be treated as an equal partner seems incorrect to me as it is not based on international law principles and the present political situation,” he said. Asked to say why the Western partners do no take attitude to Russia's position, Victor Chirila said emphasis is now laid on the resumption of the official talks in the 5+2 format. “Everyone considers that progress has been made and a favorable climate is being created for holding an official meeting by the end of this year,” Victor Chirila said.