The effectiveness of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format now depends on different external and internal political factors from Moldova and Transnistria. At the current stage, nobody expects special progress from the negotiators and this is normal, expert in the Transnistrian issue, former so-called foreign minister of the Transnistrian region Vladimir Yastrebchak, said in an interview for the informative bulletin “Nistrian Realities” produced by IDIS “Viitorul”, IPN reports.

“Now the 5 +2 format is a very important negotiation platform for maintaining the relations between the sides and the loss of this platform will benefit no one. Furthermore, the participants in the 5+2 format, with all the respect for them, are not the players who take decisions in the talks. This is the responsibility of the senior administration of the sides,” said Vladimir Yastrebchak.

He considers that the continuation of the negotiations is a good sign. “Surely the people have expectations of the talks, but these expectations have clear limits both in Moldova and in Transnistria. Each of the sides wants the progress to be made based on concessions,” he stated.

As to the Russian press reports that eight helicopters will be brought to the Security Zone, Vladimir Yastrebchak said that Ukraine and Russia in 1995 signed an intergovernmental agreement on the transportation of military loads for the Russian troops from the Transnistrian region. Under the accord, the consent of third countries, including Moldova, for transporting loads via Ukraine is not necessary. Thus, from legal viewpoint, the Ukrainian demands are unfounded.