Press release
about the organization of the debate „Memory obliges. The state of division between the organizations of participants in the armed conflict on the Nistru River: causes and solutions 20 years after its beginning” within the project “Developing political culture in public debates. Series of public debates held by Info-Prim Neo news agency in its conference room”, supported by German Foundation “Hanns Seidel”
The public debate from February 17, 2012, tackled a current and important issue, especially considering the commemoration of the beginning of the war on the Nistru. The differences between the various categories of participants in the war have some of their roots in the political sphere. Discussing publicly and calmly this phenomenon is one of the new elements of the project. Various government configurations and political factions tried to keep under control some veteran groups because of the latter’s capacity of mobilization and organization, even though the veterans will hardly admit it.
Another accomplishment was the vast diversity of participants, leaders of the main veteran associations of all social, professional and political colors. Existing differences have burst out even during the debate, but emotions were kept under control and the situation and possible solutions were thoroughly analyzed. In the end, all participants agreed that differences can and should be overcome in a civilized manner, considering the national and international practice in the domain. The experts convinced the veterans that a common stance is much more efficient for their objectives in the relationship with the government now and in the future.
The spirit of the debate was reflected in three materials published by the Agency (see the English version of the www.info-prim.md for 17.02.12, „Transnistrian conflict was planned in Moscow, opinions” - http://www.info-prim.md/?a=10&x=&ay=44561 on 20.02.12 „Truth and justice of participants in Nistru war” - http://www.info-prim.md/?a=10&x=&ay=44578 and on 21.02.12 - „Nistru war veterans must have a common position in dialogue with authorities” - http://www.info-prim.md/?a=10&x=&ay=44604).
Another encouraging element was the fact that each organization brought an impressive number of supporters at the debate, who were joined by opponents and critics who insisted on voicing their opinions after the scheduled speakers, which proves that the debate was necessary, awaited and useful.
The warring spirits were calmed during the “pacifying” coffee break, during which the discussion went on between veterans, experts and journalists.
The Agency continued to film and broadcast the events organized within the project.
Considering the experience of the previous debate, when some of the participants didn’t show up, and in order to assure a higher degree of balance and clam, the role of moderator was taken by the representative of the Agency and will be kept by him for the next debates.
Info-Prim Neo
February 19, 2012
