Vienna consultations do not promise immediate resolution of Transnistrian conflict, expert

The consultations in Vienna offer the possibility of reopening the talks in the 5+2 format suspended about four years ago, but we cannot expect immediate results as there are no preconditions for Tiraspol to abandon the strategy it has used during the last few years. On the contrary, the Transnistrian authorities could find a new pretext to block the negotiation process in the 5+2 format. Such an opinion was expressed by analyst Radu Vrabie, when asked by Info-Prim Neo. According to Radu Vrabie, who is a program coordinator at the Foreign Policy Association, the consultations in Vienna will play an important role in the subsequent strategic preparation of the new Moldovan authorities. On the other hand, the expert said that the Transnistrian conflict cannot be settled during a short period of time so that we cannot expect immediate progress. “I think the administration in Tiraspol is not ready to make concessions and discuss with Chisinau. For the Transnistrian leaders, the preservation of the present situation is the most suitable variant,” Radu Vrabie said. The analyst considers that in order not to allow the situation to worsen, there should be developed social projects designed to improve the living standards on both banks of the Nistru. Speaking about the steps that must be taken at foreign level, the analyst said that the new government should stop holding separate talks with Russia. “I think that Moldova needs all the partners involved in the 5+2 format and the negotiation process must be as transparent and correct as possible. This will contribute to the resolution of the dispute and will influence Moldova’s image abroad,” Radu Vrabie said. Asked about the position of Kazakhstan and Lithuania on the Transnistrian conflict, Radu Vrabie voiced hope that the two countries will make effort to obtain progress in solving the frozen conflicts existing within the OSCE area of responsibility while they will hold the presidency of this organization. Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for reintegration matters Victor Osipov and representatives of Kazakhstan and Lithuania, which will hold the presidency of the OSCE in 2010 and 2011, met in Vienna on Friday, November 6.