Vlad Filat: Broad autonomy to Transnistria within a unitary Moldova and the unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops will bring stability in this sensitive region of Europe. Info-Prim Neo survey

Info-Prim Neo News Agency is carrying out an opinion poll on the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict among leaders of political parties, representatives of the civil society, and opinion shapers from both banks of the Nistru. The survey is aimed at finding out viewpoints that could contribute to the improvement of the present situation. All the participants were asked the same two questions. This time, the answers are given by Vlad Filat, president of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM). [ - How can the dispute be solved in the opinion of the party you represent? In what way, through what mechanisms and during what terms is a settlement possible?] - In its program, the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova says that the Transnistrian conflict should be solved by applying the norms of the international law, the Constitution of Moldova and the principles of settling the dispute approved by the Parliament of Moldova. We consider that acceptable solutions can be identified at the current talks in the 5+2 format. Unfortunately, Tiraspol’s position is directly influenced by a third party, Russia. The success of the settlement process depends greatly on the talks with Moscow. The foreign circumstances now favor the implementation of a viable project to reunify the country. Broad autonomy to Transnistria within a unitary Moldova and the unconditional withdrawal of the foreign troops will bring stability in this sensitive region of Europe. [ - How do you think, how efficient and relevant to the created situation are the steps taken by the administration of Moldova at present? When do you think the effort made by the authorities will begin to produce results and what results can we expect?] - Only the administration of Moldova can know how efficient and appropriate the steps taken by it are. President Vladimir Voronin is negotiating in an obscure manner, without consulting with the political parties and the civil society. Moreover, the Parliament does not engage in the settlement process even if this is within its area of competence. We should not forget that we are a parliamentary republic and the parliament’s role should be decisive. If the talks are practically secret, we can expect big surprises, including unpleasant ones. The society’s reaction in this case will be corresponding. We hope yet that we will find a positive and long-lasting solution to the Transnistrian dispute.