Moldova could be left alone in its issues with Russia – Expert-Grup

Moldova could be left by EU to carry on by itself the “wine problem” and other issues in the relations with Russia, a recent analysis by the independent analytic center “Expert-Grup”, entitled “In vino veritas?”, says. As an argument to its statements, “Expert-Grup” mentions that there are few signs that the redirection towards West promoted by the regime of Voronin is a result of the sincere affection for the European values. “The political past of Voronin and of his entourage, as well as his present are conclusive proofs to this affirmation”, the analysis mentions. At the same time, it is said that the poor progresses ascertained in the implementation of the Action Plan EU-Moldova is an extra confirmation. Also, the surprising speed of the Moldova geopolitical reorientation is a confirmation for the lack of fundamental convictions and the existence of some interests which must be served in any situation. All these facts determine the West to see in the present neo-European government from Chisinau a rather nuisance you have to deal with due to the circumstances, than a reliable partner. One of the assumptions of “Expert-Grup” is that the relations with Russia can not be repaired. The most important fact is that Moldova refuses to give anything up in the Transnistrian conflict. The wine exports can not be resumed, and the price for natural gases which are imported from Russia could reach the European level of USD 250. The railway communication between Russia and Moldova could be suspended. In this case the national economy will have to deal with a rough trial. The Russian diplomacy feels that the Moldovan presidency is almost ready to yield, but it has to be convinced a little bit more, the analysis says. Russia implements successfully this method: a good behavior means resuming wine exports and settling the USD 160 price for natural gases. The examples of Georgia and Ukraine are eloquent in this situation. Georgia is practically blocked, and Ukraine, with a more friendly government obtains from Gazporm the so much desired annual contract of USD 130 and cancellation of barriers against the Ukrainian exports of dairy and animal products. The expert Alexandru Oprunenco told Info-Prim Neo that at present the minimum price of natural gases Moldova could hope for in the next years is USD 160 per one thousand cubic meters. In case the Government of Moldova will not make any compromises in the Transnistrian conflict, it is possible that the natural gases supplied to Moldova reach the European price of USD 250-260 per one thousand cubic meters. PM Vasile Tarlev has recently announced that the Government hopes to obtain by the end of November a minimum 5 years supply agreement with “Gazprom”. He said that the negotiations continue and he can not disclose the approximate price of the natural gases supplied to Moldova next year.