Tiraspol, 29 January. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. President Yevgeny Shevchuk hold a meeting with the acting foreign minister. Vitaly Ignatyev briefed the president on the work which the foreign ministry is undertaking on the most urgent issues of the negotiation process with Moldova.
One of such issues, which is of special concern to Pridnestrovie, is related to the restriction of freedom of movement imposed on Pridnestrovian citizens and cargoes.
So, the Moldoavn side has recently reinforced its psychological, moral and ideological pressure on Pridnestrovian citizens, including threatens to apply administrative sanctions. In addition, a number of Pridnestrovian ministers and officials underwent interrogation and a thorough body search in Kishinev airport.
«In compliance with Moldova's official commitments to avoid applying measures of administrative pressure and the protocol decision 'On certain aspects of freedom of movement', such actions are illegitimate and cannot be endorsed by any member of the negotiation process. We hope Moldova will conscientiously and responsibly resume the fulfilment of its commitments," noted Vitaly Ignatyev.
According to the presidential press office, it was also talked about the changed railway route for the importation of goods to Pridnestrovie. This unilateral decision was made by Moldova and Ukraine and has been put into practice since 1 January 2016.
According to experts' estimates, such restrictions will result in the aggregate losses of the Pridnestrovian railway and economic entities at an amount of $4.5 billion. The foreign minister told the president that the nearest meeting of expert working groups, which takes place on 2 February 2016, would be dedicated to solving this acute issue.
The head of state assigned the foreign ministry to increase diplomatic activities for addressing politically motivated criminal charges brought by Moldova against Pridnestrovian officials, including a former prime minister, representatives of judicial and law enforcement authorities, as well as a number of Pridnestrovian businessmen.
«It is necessary to appeal to our partners, mediators, participants of the 5+2 format and international human rights organisations. With the unsettled conflict, the increasing practice of criminal prosecution may both destabilise the negotiation process and violate citizens' right for freedom of movement," noted Yevgeny Shevchuk.
The MFA's structural optimisation was also touched upon during the meeting. According to Vitaly Ignatyev, the ministry's staff has been reduced by over 20 employees. At the same time, its spending has decreased by about 40%.
Following the meeting's results, the president set out a range of tasks for the ministry.
«Amid regional, international economic instability, promoting economic processes in Pridnestrovie within available resources and contacts is the MFA's priority," said the president. Another task was to enhance cooperation with public authorities and the Supreme Council.
