The Transnistrian administration refuses to take part in the conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format because it does not have a clear agenda of talks and because it wasn’t clearly instructed what to say in the negotiations owing to the developments in Ukraine, considers expert in the Transnistrian issue Eduard Tugui.

The expert has told IPN that a number of things overlap in the case of Moldova, including the electoral process, and, possibly, Tiraspol does not want to take part in order not to allow the government to use the dialogue as a motive in the election campaign.

“I think the regional crisis is the main cause. Once again the Transnistrian leaders, and not only they, apply the same tactic of not taking part in official discussions and of using the criminal cases as pretext. If it hadn’t been so tragic for us, their actions would have been at least ridiculous,” said Eduard Tugui.

He noted it is evident that Chisinau does not have serious partners in the discussions. “Tiraspol only obeys Moscow’s orders, but they fulfill these orders rather clumsily. However, I’m convinced that Moldova still has leverage and can change the attitude of those from Tiraspol. The official Chisinau should let them know, among others, what it can do in response to their acts,” said the expert.

Tiraspol refused to take part in the next round of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format set for September 11-12. Chisinau considers Tiraspol is looking for new reasons to exert pressure on the constitutional authorities.