Tiraspol, November 6. /Novosti Pridnestrovia/. On November 4-5, 2019, Bavaria hosted unofficial CBM Conference between the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic and the Republic of Moldova under support of the German Foreign Ministry and OSCE. They discussed priority issues in the framework of three thematic sessions: "Economy, trade and banking", "Education" and "Freedom of movement". The results of the conference were commented by the PMR Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev.
“We discussed a range of issues related to the economy, banks, imports of goods, telecommunications, freedom of movement, criminal cases and education. The problem of Russian schools in Moldova closing was also touched upon. So, in the framework of these discussions, we have identified a whole range of problematic aspects, when Chisinau was not ready to move forward, when the Moldovan side had an unmotivated position," Ignatiev said
Banking problem
"The banking topic was the most productive discussion. At first, the Moldovan colleagues refused to discuss the problem, but within two days, we concluded that the problem should be solved, and most likely, in the way that European experts propose to solve it. This means that the issues of currency conversion, accounts should be resolved positively, the restrictions imposed by the Moldovan side should be removed. These are our proposals, and they, having passed the examination, were found to be reasonable. I hope that this partial forward movement will become more systematic and will be converted into a result. It is on the banks that we have made a step forward."
"I can positively note the participation in the conference of European experts, Mrs. Ilse Schuster, who made a report on the banking problem and who fully confirmed the existence of a problem in this part, the presence of restrictions for enterprises of Pridnestrovie, and the presence of inadequate interaction between the banking systems of the two states. This requires an operational solution. Therefore, we have come to a certain agreement to organize events, an expert seminar. It's important."
Criminal cases
"There is some progress in the issue of criminal cases. However, the Moldovan colleagues have reported that the work was underway and the first cases were closed without evidence. But until we see specific data, lists by name, it is difficult to talk about solutions."
"You remember issues that were discussed by presidents in Holercani. This are 38 criminal cases. While the data varies. While declarations are not converted into concrete facts, but in any case - it's better than nothing. This is the first time in many years that Moldova is moving towards a solution to this problem. In the summer, a political representative from Moldova said that there was no such category of criminal cases and this problem did not exist. It's the same with banks."
Trade sector
"Unfortunately, the Moldovan colleagues refused to sign the initialed agreement on the removal of barriers in the trade sphere. In my opinion, this is an egregious situation, because experts, expert groups, Moldova Ministry of economic Development State Secretary and our Deputy Prime Minister for economy signed this document. But my counterpart, political representative of Moldova, Vasily Shova refused to sign it without any reason. This was done publicly, at a large plenary session, when we summed up the results, he simply did not appear at the meeting of the expert group. Of course, it is also important that our international partners understand that we need to work seriously with our Moldovan colleagues – a lot of balls are on their side."
Telecommunications
"Moldova has taken an inadequate position on telecommunications despite Igor Dodon's promises. None of Moldovan expert has arrived to discuss this problem. At first, the Moldovan colleagues refused to discuss it at all. Then one of the advisers of the Prime Minister of Moldova assumed a certain responsibility, entered into a discussion. But we have not seen any concrete proposals or solutions. In fact, we did not even see a willingness to implement the previously reached agreements within the framework of the legislative changes that Moldova introduced at the end of last year. We did not see the readiness to implement the Roadmap we signed on telecommunications. Not only we have a lot of questions, but also our international partners, who coordinate our cooperation and monitor the process. I think that in the near future we will see some progress."
"Let me remind that the President of Moldova promised the President of Pridnestrovie a certain dynamics in this area, as well as in the issue of banks and criminal cases. Therefore, we hope that this issue will remain on the agenda as an issue on which work is underway."
Final protocol
"Pridnestrovie was ready to sign the version proposed by the OSCE. For two days, the most difficult discussions took place, because the Moldovan colleagues put forward a proposal that had no relation to the topics that had been discussed in Bratislava a month ago. There was an attempt to block the dynamics. This is not clear, because we heard of the desire to be constructive in Holercani. But, on the other hand, it answered all questions about the position of Chisinau. And no one has any doubts about what is happening and who is not ready to sign agreements either on economic or technical agreements, or on the basic Bratislava Protocol. But there is a positive point. It was agreed that we would continue consultations, search for solutions and, if we were ready to work, we would hold another meeting in the 5+2 format and sign an important document for us."
"The most important thing is that this conference has shown a real situation on relations between Pridnestrovie and Moldova. It gave an opportunity at the expert level, at the level of political representatives to work out an agenda of social and humanitarian issues and identify problem points, as well as the readiness of the parties to move towards each other."
