Chisinau reacted to the Russian State Duma’s statement concerning the negative tendencies in the development of the situation in Transnistrian following the actions of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Ukrainian authorities that was adopted on July 7. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova expressed its regret and bewilderment at this fact, saying the statement contains tendentious assessments and absolutely unfounded criticism. President Igor Dodon also reacted, saying the attempts to exert pressure from any direction can hamper the resolution of the conflict, while the worsening of the situation suits the opponents of the country’s reunification, IPN reports.
In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Moldovan authorities sufficiently showed their will to identify a sustainable and comprehensive solution to the Transnistrian conflict within the conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format, by respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and giving a special legal status to the Transnistrian region. All the steps taken by the Moldovan authorities in this regard match the main parameters of the settlement process. The importance of observing these is underlined in the decisions taken by the OSCE, including with the necessary support from the Russian Federation.
“Treating these actions as a “negative tendency” aimed at establishing a blockade or exerting pressure on Transnistria is groundless given that none of the international players involved in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process doubts the sovereign and inalienable right of the Republic of Moldova to control its internationally recognized borders,” said the Ministry.
It also said that the responsibility for the fact that no real progress has been yet made in the resolution of the mentioned problems should be borne not by the Moldovan or Ukrainian authorities, but by the Transnistrian political leaders, who have a non-constructive and intransigent position at the negotiating table. These are preoccupied with the obtaining of the recognition of Transnistria’s independence rather than with the real problems and difficulties faced daily by the people in Transnistria, including businessmen.
The Ministry notes it is the legitimate right of Moldova to plead for the transformation of the current peacekeeping mission into an internationally mandated civil one and for withdrawing the foreign troops from its territory and it is regrettable that this right is challenged.
The Moldovan authorities expressed their confidence that the Russian Federation, which is one of the most important players involved in the 5+2 talks, will be able to further play a constructive role in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process, contributing thus to stronger peace and security in the region.
In a posting on Facebook, Igor Dodon says the Russian Federation always recognized the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and supported the country reunification efforts. Moldova further needs cooperation to ensure de iure and de facto the achievement of this very important goal for the country’s future.
The Russian State Duma’s statement of July 7 says the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities contribute to the creation of threats to the stability in the region and to the welfare and security of the inhabitants of Transnistria and calls on the authorities of the two states to give up exerting pressure on Transnistria.
