Writer Iulian Ciocan, who is a member of the Writers Union of Moldova, considers that the decision on the normalization of the situation in Transnistria that Parliament is to adopt should contain well-though-out steps. Emphasis should be put on the harmonization of the cultural, social and political differences. No definite measures have been proposed over the last 20 years and thus the Transnistrian conflict wasn’t settled.

“The details count a lot. I don’t know what Chisinau aims to do, but the talks held over the last 20 years didn’t produce results. No progress will be made without definite proposals,” said the writer. According to him, Parliament should build a safer communication bridge between Tiraspol and Chisinau, which would generate efficient proposals for both of the sides.

“Talks will be also held between the EU and Russia. It’s an illusion to think that only Chisinau and Tiraspol are the players of this process. Chisinau should ponder over everything,” said Iulian Ciocan. He does not believe that the developments in the Transnistrian region and now in Gagauzia form part of a political scenario designed outside the country, as some of the opinion leaders asserted. Asked if there is a connection between the events in Transnistria and in Gagauzia, the writer said that he does not know and does not want to make speculations.

The statement on the current state of the Transnistrian conflict settlement process that was voted by Parliament on June 21 says the dispute should be resolved by peaceful methods and any action that can lead to the escalation of tensions should be avoided. The legislative body is yet to adopt a decision with measures that should be taken to normalize the situation on the left bank of the Nistru.

Parliament held hearings on the Transnistrian issue after the Transnistrian leader Yevgeny Shevchuk signed a so-called legal act on the ‘state border’ that includes the Moldovan-administered village Varnita. Recently, a group of people from the Territorial Administrative Unit of Gagauzia collected 5,000 signatures in favor of holding a referendum on gaining independence from Moldova.