Tiraspol, 30 May. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Decisions to establish joint control over the Pridnestrovian border are the final part of the blockade strategy pursued by neighbouring countries since 2006, Pridnestrovie's foreign minister Vitaly Ignatyev said in an interview with TASS.
«We believe that the decision to impose joint control flagrantly violates the many agreements that were earlier reached at negotiations with the involvement of mediators, as well as the very basic principles of negotiations. This is a unilateral measure that is being carried out without regard to Pridnestrovie's position," said the diplomat.
He maintained that today about 75% of Pridnestrovian imports, including food and medicine, come to the country through the Kuchurgan border crossing. Extending Moldovan jurisdiction to this outlet jeopardises the country's supplies, undermines small business and may result in other negative consequences. According to preliminary estimates, the country's economy may lose at least $40 million; the personal safety and freedom of movement of Pridnestrovian citizens will also be affected.
«The deployment of Moldovan customs and border guard officers in the immediate vicinity of the Pridnestrovian military without Russian peacekeepers separating the sides threatens to exacerbate the conflict and endanger regional stability. We also see as another coercive measure the recent decision by Ukraine to ban the transit to Pridnestrovie of food products subject to veterinary control without Moldova's prior approval," said Ignatyev.
The minister also said that Russia's ambassador at large Sergey Gubarev, who has recently visited the country, had assured Pridnestrovians that Russia would keep an eye on the situation in the region.
«We have informed all the members of the «5+2» format about these issues and submitted to Moldova our proposals, which may contribute to the speedy resolution of the situation. Of course, other mechanisms are being developed to respond to threats," concluded the diplomat.
