Tiraspol, 4 July. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The acting foreign minister, Vitaly Ignatyev, gave an interview today to the professor of the Russian history and culture at the department of humanities of the University of Oslo, Pål Kolstø, and the professor of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Dr Helge Blakkisrud. Their visit to Tiraspol is part of the preparation of a series of scientific publications on the unsettled conflicts in the ex-Soviet states, the MFA's press service reports.
The foreign scientists focus on the aspects of Pridnestrovie's foreign policy, Russo-Pridnestrovian relations, as well as relevant issues of the ongoing negotiation process with Moldova.
In the course of the interview Vitaliy Ignatyev noted that Pridnestrovie had managed to prove its consistency as a diligent and responsible participant of international relations. The foreign minister pointed out at the fact that Pridnestrovie's choice of the independent vector of development had been several times reaffirmed at republican referendums.
«It should be admitted, at the same time, that we regularly meet obstacles on our way, many of which are deliberately put there. First of all, it refers to a spectrum of restrictions introduced by Moldova and Ukraine against Pridnestrovie. These measures directly affect nearly every sphere of Pridnestrovie's livelihood," said Vitaly Ignatyev.
In this context he dwelt on such factors of external pressure on the country as politically motivated prosecution against Pridnestrovian residents on the part of Moldova, numerous barriers in the spheres of economy, transport and free movement of Pridnestrovian citizens.
Touching upon the issue of Russo-Pridnestrovian relations, the minister said that enhancing comprehensive cooperation with Russia is regarded as the key aspect of Pridnestrovie's foreign policy, which is stipulated in the new version of the Foreign Policy Concept, adopted in 2012.
«A policy of rapprochement with Russia and maximum integration into the Eurasian structures is predetermined by deep historic, cultural and spiritual ties between our nations. The residents of Pridnestrovie, regardless of their nationalities, feel themselves part of the integral and large Russian world," said the diplomat.
