5+2 format is stillborn, says political analyst

The 5+2 format of the talks for settling the Transnistrian dispute is stillborn, said independent expert Vlad Lupan, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Vlad Lupan, former Transnistrian dispute negotiator, considers that the 5+2 format is not a format that can solve the conflict. “It is only a format whereby the sides inform each other,” says the expert. The format has existed for 17 years, but produced no results. The expert says that it is hard to say when the talks will be resumed. “They insist that the talks are resumed in the 5+2 format because the 2+1 format is even worse for Moldova. But the conflict would be settled in none of the formats,” the former negotiator says. Political analyst Oazu Nantoi, program director at the Public Policy Institute, also considers that the 5+2 format is inefficient. “The pentalateral format is a trap set by Russia with the aim of hindering the resolving of the dispute. This is not a settlement mechanism, but a mechanism for an eventual legalization,” Nantoi said. The 5+2 format includes Moldova and Transnistria, the mediators Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE, and the observers the European Union and the United States. The 2+1 format means Moldova and Transnistria + Russia. The 3+2 format excludes Moldova and Transnistria. Talks in the 5+2 format were to take place on October 7 and 8 in Vienna as it was decided in September at talks in the 3+2 format, also in Vienna. The consultations were canceled owing to the Transnistrian authorities’ refusal made public only 11 hours before the arranged date. Earlier this week, the Moldovan authorities have announced that consultations in the 5+2 format will take place in Vienna this week.