Russia suggests Moldova to sign agreement similar to Kozak Memorandum - MP

MP Anatol Taranu asserts that, during his last visit to Chisinau, Iuri Zubakov, deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, put forward to Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) certain proposals regarding the settlement of the Transnistrian dispute, similar to the Kozak Memorandum of 2003. The MP made this statement on Thursday, March 15, before Parliament, making reference to “reliable sources that wished to stay anonymous”. Among the proposals forwarded by the Russian MFA official, Taranu recalled the maintenance of Russian peacekeeping troops in Moldova, Chisinau’s acceptance of certain Russian guarantees for Transnistria’s status, recognition of illegal privatisations on the left bank of Nistru River. Also, according to the source, Moscow proposed the agreement to be signed by two parties, without involving OSCE, US and EU representatives. Taranu claims that in case this information is true, the Russian official’s proposals are at variance with Moldova’s legislation and is a repetition of the Kozak Memorandum. “We might find ourselves in the situation when a reoccurring document would severely worsen the political situation in Moldova, as it happened in 2003, when the Kozak Memorandum was launched unexpectedly”, he stated. The MP suggested inviting before Parliament the head of Moldovan diplomacy Andrei Stratan or Minister of Integration Vasili Sova to shed light on this information. But the majority of MPs have rejected this proposal. Taranu made an interpellation to Minister Stratan in this respect, asking him to attend the plenary sitting for explanations. Iuri Zubakov met with President Vladimir Voronin in Chisinau on March 3. The press service of the Presidency reported that an exchange of opinions regarding the current stage of Moldova-Russia relations and the prospect of settling the Transnistrian dispute occurred during their meeting.