Ion Manole regrets Russian federation’s position regarding the implementation of the new customs clearances regime for Transnistrian businessmen

„We regret very much Russian officials’ position regarding the implementation of the new customs clearances regime at Moldovanb-Ukrainian border for Transnistrian businessmen,» the executive manager of nongovernmental organisation for human rights „Promo-Lex”, Ion Manole, reported. According to him, Russian press reports also are very partial, as it shows only the opinion of separatist authorities and Russian officials. It is an additional proof, considers Ion Manole, that these two parts action together in Transnistrian problem. „Promo-Lex” executive manager noted that implementation of the new regime did not have any danger; even the leader of Tiraspol announced his decision to give up the negotiation process. „In general, the Transnistrian part does not have to be part of negotiation process. Russia has to take its role and responsibility for what happens within this process,” Ion Manole mentioned. In his opinion, it is important now that Moldovan authorities and international community, together with Ukraine, to inform and convince the population of the left bank of Dniestre that it is not about an economic blockade. The leader of Russian experts’ group, visiting Tiraspol, stated on Wednesday, 8 March, that situation of Transnistrian region would lead to a serious economic crisis, charging Moldova and Ukraine with economic isolation of the region. As reaction to the implementation of the new customs regime at Moldovan-Ukrainian border, the leader of Transnistrian separatists, Igor Smirnov, announced on 7 March 2006, that he would leave the negotiation process. Chisinau officials, supported by international organisations, said that the implementation of the new regime aimed at creation of favourable conditions for transparent and legal activity of enterprises of Dniestre, as well fighting smuggling and illegal trade, and it is not an economic blockade. The customs clearances regime at Moldovan-Ukrainian border is made on the basis of customs specimens of Moldova was implemented on 3 March.