If EU becomes mediator, 5+2 format talks will be more interesting, Mihai Cernencu

If the European Union becomes a mediator in the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format, the negotiations will become more interesting. Now Russia dominates the negotiation process, while the U.S. and the EU are not able to get involved much, politologist Mihai Cernencu has told Info-Prim Neo. “I don’t know what decision the members of the format will take, but I see no reasons for Russia to oppose the modifications. Moldova reached an important stage in the negotiations on the Association Agreement with the EU and, evidently, if these intentions are serious, the European Union wants to be an equal partner in the negotiation process,” said Mihai Cernencu. He also said that the modification of the EU’s status from observer into mediator would be favorable not only for Moldova, but also for the process in general. “Another important player appears on the international arena and we know that the EU never uses force, but provides arguments,” stated Mihai Cernencu. As to the statement about the progress achieved in the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks made by the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel, the politologist said that the diplomat associated this breath of fresh air with the change of the Transnistrian administration. “The Transnistrian leader understands that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement will contain provisions referring to the eastern region,” said Mihai Cernencu. He stated that the people in the Transnistrian region are scared and have phobias that are cultivated by the propagandistic broadcasters, while the EU’s decision to provide large sums of money for restoring the Transnistrians’ confidence in the constitutional authorities is good. “It depends on the projects that Chisinau and Tiraspol will work out for strengthening the relations and restoring the population’s confidence. I think civil society should manage this money and initiate interesting projects aimed at bringing the people living on the two sides of the Nistru closer,” stressed the politologist. The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel said recently that €12 million will be allocated for restoring Transnistrian people’s confidence. He stressed that certain progress was made in the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks.