Tiraspol, 4 April. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. While the government of the PMR is engaged in stabilising the domestic economic situation, Moldova is increasing pressure on the republic, which may destabilise not only in the PMR but also in Central Europe. At the same time, Pridnestrovie is ready to negotiate to seek a compromise on socio-economic issues but is not going to make unilateral concessions. This is what President Vadim Krasnoselsky said during a parliamentary hearing attended by Pridnestrovie's officials and Russia's State Duma members.
«The basis of any dialogue is a compromise, involving the movement towards each other. If one side moves, while the other stands, it is a concession. Concessions are inadmissible and unacceptable," underscored Krasnoselsky.
Pridnestrovie, according to the president, has shown a willingness to move forward in the negotiating process and has already taken one step. This refers to solving the long-standing problems: normalisation of the work of Romanian-language schools in Pridnestrovie and the issue of land use issue in Dubossary district. Besides, the presidential decree has simplified migration rules for foreign citizens and terminated dozens of criminal cases against Moldovan officials.
«We made the first step and I personally proposed the Moldovan president that each of us terminate 10 criminal cases. We have unilaterally discontinued 10 criminal cases against Moldovan officials. Accordingly, we are waiting for a reciprocal step. But something tells me Moldova is not ready to make this step. If we make a step forward, we must see a reciprocal step; otherwise, it will be a concession," said the president.
According to the head of state, against the backdrop of our constructive approach and readiness to conduct negotiations in any format, Moldova and Ukraine are making a decision to establish a border and customs checkpoint at the Ukranian-Pridnestrovian border in Kuchurgan.
This will entail great problems for the Pridnestrovian economy, Krasnoselsky explains, including losses for entrepreneurs, $40-million damages for the economy and job cuts.
In order to avoid negative consequences, Pridnestrovie has proposed to raise this issue at the international level in the «5+2» format (Pridnestrovie and Moldova are the sides; Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE are mediators; the USA and EU are observers).
«To be heard, we approached all '5+2' format members to bring this issue to the venue of the permanent meeting. But, except for Russia, nobody responded. Only Russia unequivocally stated that such issues could not be solved behind Pridnestrovie's back," said Krasnoselsky.
According to the president, other members of the «Permanent conference…» cannot even imagine the consequences of the installation of a Moldo-Ukrainian joint post at the Ukrainian-Pridnestrovian border.
This is a very dangerous game as the deployment of Moldovan law enforcers outside the Security Zone may lead to unpredictable implications.
«I am convinced that the stability of Pridnestrovie means the stability of Central Europe. Solving issues this way will not contribute to peace. This is unacceptable," stresses Krasnoselsky.
Pressure on Pridnestrovie is a challenge to the entire Russian world, the president believes. For example, the idea that Russia attacked Moldova in 1992 is being increasingly cultivated in this country today. The Moldo-Pridnestrovian conflict is treated as Russian aggression against Moldova, whereas it is known that the war began with an attack by a Moldovan riot police unit on a military installation of the 14th Army, actually Russian, albeit subordinate to the CIS at the moment.
«Then, thanks to guardsmen, the wives and children of Russian officers were evacuated. Guardsman Bondarenko threw himself upon a hand grenade and saved the children at the expense of his life. This is the whole story of who attacked and who was attacked," said Krasnoselsky.
Pridnestrovie's task is to preserve the Russian world in our territory, the president underscored, noting that the idea of integrating into Russia is a unifying concept for the entire Pridnestrovian society, while the Moldovan authorities are demonstrating a strange approach, devoid of any certainty.
«Everyone knows the position of Pridnestrovie — independence with subsequent accession to the great Russia. This is the position of our people, of the president, of Supreme Council members and the government. This idea consolidates the Pridnestrovian society. It is transparent, clear and sole. Moldova, unfortunately, has no common idea. The president proposes one solution to problems; the prime minister and the speaker another. At the same time, I am urging our Moldovan colleagues to determine what they are striving for. Let this position will seem unacceptable to us, but let it be transparent and clear. It will be clear what we are talking about," said the president.
The Pridnestrovian president insists, in the meantime, on a constructive dialogue, noting this is the only acceptable way to solve the problems between the two countries.
«Despite all the difficulties, it is necessary to continue the negotiation process. Yes, it is difficult, but there is no alternative to negotiations," said Krasnoselsky.
The Pridnestrovian authorities inform Russia about the current situation around the republic and hope for Moscow's assistance in the face of foreign policy challenges, the president concluded.
