The inefficiency of the peacekeeping forces in Transnistria represents a serious problem for Moldova, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Victor Osipov said in the talk show “Reply” on Prime TV channel, IPN reports.

Osipov said this thing is worrisome especially in the context of the regional situation and it is now practically impossible to replace these troops. “There are no chances to get rid of the peacekeeping forces in the near future. I’m realistic. The Government has had this objective on its agenda for many years. The ECHR’s decision in the case of Vadim Pisari confirms that these forces are not efficient. They even pose a threat,” he stated.

Speaking about the meeting in the “5+2” format that was held in Vienna last week, Osipov said it was not a round of talks, but a meeting where the sides discussed the priorities of the negotiation agenda and the fact that the meetings in this format were resumed is important.

He also said that the Moldovan government’s top priority is to ensure the free movement over the Nistru. “It is important to ensure the free movement over the Nistru. For now we agreed that this will happen only on holidays. The people must move freely. During these 23 years, things have worsened,” stated the official.

Victor Osipov noted that Chisinau reached an agreement with the Transnistrian administration concerning the couple from Floresti, which was illegally arrested by the Transnistrian militia, but wasn’t cooperative as regards journalist Ilchenko. “During the meeting of Gaburici and Shevchuk, the Transnistrian leader expressed his indignation at what happened and ordered over the phone that the couple from Floresti should be set free. However, in relation to the journalist we received an unoptimistic answer. We will anyway return to this issue and will demand that Ilchenko should be released,” he said.