Eduard Maican: People’s diplomacy can unite the banks of the Nistru

Info-Prim Neo News Agency is carrying out an opinion poll on the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict among leaders of political parties, representatives of the civil society, and opinion shapers from both banks of the Nistru. The survey is aimed at finding out viewpoints that could contribute to the improvement of the present situation. All the participants were asked the same two questions. This time, the answers are given by Eduard Maican, president of the National Union of Independence War Veterans (UNVRI). [ - How can the dispute be solved? In what way, through what mechanisms and during what terms is a settlement possible?] Not only new and efficient forms and methods are needed to solve the conflict, but also new players, including persons with modern visions, profound knowledge and authority on both banks of the Nistru. I mean first of all representatives of the young generation that do not have preconceived ideas. In general, we should seriously and permanently implement “the people’s diplomacy” because the politicians’ diplomacy failed. In particular, there should be issued a new joint publication that would objectively and impartially inform the population and the international community. Televised programs should be broadcast simultaneously on the two banks of the river. What is important now is to learn to hear each other. The war veterans from both banks of the Nistru could play an essential role. They could participate in joint roundtable meetings to work out mutually acceptable cooperation methods for building the state of Moldova by respecting the interests of everyone. We are a people with a common history, culture and religion. Therefore, we could also have a common future. Mutual visits should be organized for the children of the war veterans from both banks of the river and there should be held joint religious ceremonies and meals for commemorating all those that died in 1992. The list can be continued... What is important is to hear one another: we cannot unite if we permanently wrangle. [ - How do you think, how efficient and relevant to the created situation are the steps taken by the administration of Moldova at present? When do you think the effort made by the authorities will begin to produce results and what results can we expect?] The present administration does practically nothing of what it should. It got stuck and cannot solve the problem. Or, maybe it is interested in maintaining such a state of affairs?