Igor Avrenev, TSV:
Good afternoon, Vadim Nikolaevich. Your meetings with editors have become regular. 8 months have passed since the previous one. 2022 is a very difficult year. We see what's going on with the neighbors. There was a drought. There was again COVID suddenly (everyone already thought it was over, but again the numbers are so frightening). What challenges do you consider the most difficult for Pridnestrovie? How are we coping?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
Good afternoon. You know, the challenges are probably visible to everyone, I'll just repeat it.
The first challenge is on the territory of Ukraine. This is a fact. As a result of the fighting, our usual economic ties with Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and other states have been disrupted. All this has put a burden on our economy, on our budget, logistics is disrupted – everyone understands everything. It is very difficult for businesses, both small and large.
The second challenge is unresolved issues with Moldova, including from the point of view of the banking and financial sector. Let's talk about this in more detail, I'm just denoting it.
The next challenge is the pandemic of course. Not as tough as the second or third wave, but there is nevertheless. People get sick. 250 people are in hospitals to date, approximately 1300 are being treated at home. There are fewer deaths now, but they happen, there are severe cases, there is inflammation of the lung tissues, there are connections to oxygen. We have been preparing for this. There is already experience, the healthcare system is definitely coping.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
That is, we were preparing, we knew that the wave would come again?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I was sure there would be a wave. What severity, of course, I could not give a forecast. I had no doubt that there would be a wave. Therefore, back in November-December of last year, we purchased the necessary medicines, protective equipment and disinfection, and were ready to meet any pandemic, no matter how difficult it was. Naturally, we have organized a reserve of beds, that's why we are coping. They did the right thing, because logistics has really been disrupted even for the supply of medicines since the beginning of March. It is unknown how it would really be, what we would propose to people. This is a problem.
The element of agriculture should also be noted in terms of challenges. Of course, we harvested the harvest, but not the one we wanted, because of the drought.
The general situation and the terrorist attacks that took place on our territory, they did not bring optimism, of course. The general nervousness in the world, the most difficult geopolitical situation leave an imprint on Pridnestrovie. We live in these conditions, we keep peace on our land. The most important thing is peace on our land. We achieve our result in principle: we have no war, we have no aggression. These are the challenges.
Viktor Savchenko, the First Pridnestrovian TV channel:
Vadim Nikolaevich, we always talk about our neighbors. Unfortunately, only the maps of the fighting are talking about one neighbor now. If we talk about Moldova, you have already touched upon the problems that still exist in relations – the negotiation process is stagnating. We have already proposed signing a special document that would guarantee peace and security in Pridnestrovie. There is a positive assessment of this initiative by many participants in the negotiation process as far as we understand. On the other hand, the pressure continues. You write letters to Maya Sandu, she does not respond, as far as we know, or responds, but not publicly (at least we do not know about this). They promised to block our officials at the Chisinau airport, check, interrogate, do something else, there should be some kind of notification nature of travel. The feeling that it is not getting better. Where is the gap in the negotiation process? How relevant is it in the current reality?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I will say: the negotiation process is a complex thing. It is really difficult. As practice shows, the realities of today: they start to fight if they cannot agree. For me, definitely, a bad peace is better than a good war. Yes, and for any sane person. Sometimes negotiations just aren't possible. Negotiations are possible in our case. They must be continued at different levels.
You mentioned the letter to Mrs. Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova. I'll tell you why these letters. By and large, these are reminders of the need to continue the negotiation process. Today, the 5+2 format is practically blocked, it is impossible to assemble it in the composition that is defined by regulatory documents. It is currently impossible to seat Russia and Ukraine at the negotiating table within the framework of the 5+2 format. Everyone understands this. This is absolutely objective factor. The 5+2 format does not work, but there must be venues, at least working groups must work, political representatives must work, top officials of states must meet. Therefore, letters to Moldovan officials are a reminder of the need to continue the negotiation process. That's all.
As for relationships, they have always been difficult. The difficulty is that Moldova simply does not fulfill its obligations. Signed and not executed. First, some leaders sign, then others come and say that it was not they who signed it, that they will not fulfill it, and so on. We have about 200 such agreements with Moldova, which Moldova simply does not comply with. Not to mention the latter: this is Berlin, Berlin+. Questions that are clear to everyone: telecommunications, banks, movement, etc. – all this is signed by Moldova, but is not being executed by it at the present time. Nevertheless, we are trying to find a compromise even in these conditions.
One of the latest areas is the banking and financial sector. It's no secret that we trade with Europe. If you trade with Europe, you have to settle accounts with Europe. We cannot carry money in envelopes or suitcases. This is out of the question. There should be normal non-cash transactions. There are problems. Of course, we will try to overcome these difficulties, to find a consensus, a solution to this big problem for us. The same problem was about medicines, plant protection products. Now there is no other logistics, except through Moldova, so we have to talk, negotiate. It's impossible without this.
The most important issue is the issue of peace and stability, of course. Provocateurs are enough. There are plenty of them, everywhere. There is a desire among some provocateurs to aggravate relations between Moldova and Pridnestrovie, which is unacceptable, in my opinion, this is deadly for both Pridnestrovie and Moldova. I think sensible people, pragmatists understand this very well. Now is not the time to compete. It is necessary to sort things out at the negotiating table. This is my message.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian:
Do you think Maya Grigoryevna Sandu reads your letters?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I think yes, she reads. But she chose the position nonetheless. I am not criticizing in any way. She is the President, she makes a decision that is beneficial to her today. In any case, the letters are public. Everyone sees the desire of Pridnestrovie to speak. We will negotiate based on the interests of our people. This is the basis of our negotiations. I write about it openly, I do not hide anything. I express the position of the people, the people of our state and I am ready for negotiations.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
Vadim Nikolaevich, politics outside the economy does not work out in any way. I have this question. Europe is facing an energy crisis now. Moldova is preparing for it. We hear more and more that people are harvesting firewood that will not be enough. Tell me, please, will this issue affect our republic? Is there a problem? Will it be?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
You know, the energy crisis is a consequence of another crisis between Russia and Europe. It is a fact. I will not discuss this conflict. It is clear and understandable to everyone. Naturally, there will be an energy conflict behind this conflict, so to speak. What is happening now is only preparation for the conflict. The climax will come a little later. There are fears that this culmination, this tension in the energy sector will also affect Pridnestrovie to one degree or another, of course. Therefore, we must prepare.
I consider all scenarios – from catastrophic to less, shall we say, complex. Of course, we are preparing for any scenario. Not only the President is preparing. Both the Government and the Supreme Council are preparing. All officials are getting ready. In any case, we must alleviate the situation that will be. Today we have gas, electricity, water. At affordable prices, please note, for the population. It is most important.
I'll tell you about the prices. It's for the people. Do you know what the big deal is? Suppose we raise prices. But will we save the situation by this, provide Pridnestrovie with gas and electricity, depending on the geopolitical component? Of course not. But why do it then? We have a different vector, a different concept – not to raise energy prices for citizens today. We have not raised prices for the main energy carriers for almost five years now. Our prices are much lower than our neighbors. Let's stop there for now. God knows what next.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
And what about firewood?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
We have a lot of firewood. Why is there a lot of wood? Because gas is almost everywhere in the villages, and firewood turned out to be unclaimed. By and large it would be necessary to use this situation for our State Unitary Enterprise "Pridnestrovie-Les", to export this firewood to Moldova. Why not make money for Pridnestrovie on this as well? It is necessary to have a reserve of firewood, of course. We are provided with firewood, that's a fact.
Alla Ivanchenko, News of Pridnestrovie news agency:
Vadim Nikolaevich, drinking water comes to the taps of Pridnestrovians from artesian wells today. In the event of an environmental disaster, God forbid, associated with the shallowing of the Dniester, will we not have a shortage of drinking water?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
You can talk about various catastrophes: from a nuclear war to some kind of natural cataclysm. Everything must be prepared. But the Dniester River flows. It has become a little shallow, but this is not some kind of know-how regarding the Dniester. My childhood was spent on the Dniester, I was engaged in rowing, I remember that I forded the river right in front of the Bendery river port in 1985. It also became very shallow then, there were the same shallows. This is a natural factor: lack of rain, little snow in winter in the Carpathians, etc. This leads to shallowing of the river, but this is all a temporary factor. I am convinced that the Dniester River will be filled with water, and everything will be fine. By the way, it is not the citizens who consume water from artesian wells that suffer from this factor – the shallowing of the river, but the farmers who irrigate the land, because the pumping stations were left without water. It is necessary to lengthen the pipes – there is a technological process. Nevertheless, this is all clear, this is nature, this is life. Rivers in Europe have become shallow, in general. The Danube is waist-deep in some places in the middle of the river. Rivers have disappeared in Spain, in Italy, you understand? Some of them, not all, of course. This is probably the period the earth is going through. Maybe from human aggression, I don't know. It's up to scientists to discuss why this is happening. As for Pridnestrovie, the Dniester River is our artery, the artery of life, which must be preserved and loved.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
Vadim Nikolaevich, I had just a question about the river. Regatta was held at the end of last week, on Friday and Saturday. We always take the Dniester River for fun, but here it was necessary to row. Thirty teams suddenly appeared and began to compete with each other in Pridnestrovie. Do you think that this idea has already been completed, the mission accomplished? Or will it be like this all the time now: the Supreme Council and the Government will train and not only deal with their own affairs and direct duties, but also participate in the public life of the country?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
It is necessary always participate in public life, not only in rowing. Why was the type of boat "dragon" chosen? This type of boat is very democratic. Other types of rowing, such as kayak or rowing are more complex in terms of technique and racing on these boats. "Dragon" is a democratic type of rowing. Literally launch a boat two or three times, practiced, and you can already participate in competitions, as practice has shown. As far as I know, you trained two or three times, practiced and won the PGTRK, you deservedly won. It's a good passion to spur each other.
What was the idea? Previously, the campaigns “The President for a healthy lifestyle”, “The President's family for a healthy lifestyle” were held, but either active athletes or rowing veterans participated in these actions. This year, the idea has matured to put into the boat those who have nothing to do with sports, who have not been involved in rowing. I wanted to draw people away from the microphone, from the table, pen, computer, so that these people feel like they are in a team, in a boat, on a river. This sport is really hard, you are convinced. It is necessary to train, it is necessary to have a good general physical preparation. We started to train. There was a misunderstanding at first: why is this necessary? Everyone was burning with the desire to win, because everyone was training and focused only on winning when they entered the rhythm and the competition approached. Not only to participate, but definitely to win. It's fine. This is a mass sport. This is the involvement in sports of people who, perhaps, were not quite ready for this particular sport. Will we continue? Sure, we will. Our task was to create interest in this regatta, in this sport, the rest is up to people. If people want, we will carry out one hundred percent. This year there were thirty teams, next year maybe there will be fifty teams. No problem. We will spend three days. This is what we can do. Therefore, I consider this a good event, a test event and an introduction to mass sports for everyone.
Naturally, in addition to the training process itself, a team is immediately felt in the boat. Rowing academic or rowing on such a projectile as a “dragon” shows the spirit of the team. No matter how strong you are, if you are alone, you will not do anything in this boat. The team must work, and it must work like a machine, everyone in this team must understand each other. You can immediately see who is rowing. Whoever rows, that's how he actually works. It is clear who can be entrusted with what, how someone achieves the goal, how the will, character, aspiration of each rower, official in this boat is manifested. This is also interesting. It was important that leaders sit in these boats. As they lead, let them row, so they command. So it was. Many ministers, leaders, me as President, my wife, participated in the regatta, we all rowed and all achieved results. Definitely this action should be continued.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
Vadim Nikolaevich, if you will allow me, I will voice my observations. When it was only announced that there would be such a regatta, it seemed at first that there would be some kind of window dressing, now everyone will come out, they will just pass and that's it. It became clear then what you were talking about: how the leader attitudes, how he rows, whether he can be entrusted with something... Tiraspol vs. Bendery, they compete which the lawn is better, how they take care of it, how much the city has changed. There was such competition. Was that the plan? Did you understand that you could fire up these leaders so that they compete a little with each other?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
There was no such goal directly, but I understood that it would be so. Of course, sports are fun. There is a phrase that the main thing is participation. This is so, just to say. In fact, those who went in for sports always went for victory, for results. You feel this adrenaline in your blood before the start at competitions. Earlier, in my youth, one hundred percent – yes. Nevertheless, the fact that there is a competitive spirit between structures, between cities and regions is wonderful. Why not? I am convinced that the next competitions will be even more important. Someone has now lost, someone wants to win, take revenge, prove that he is the best, win again. There simply cannot be any so-called agreements here. Everyone works on principle. It's fine.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
Did the team of the Presidential Administration have a task to win without fail?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
We have been trained on the time of passing the distance, that we are not a weak team. Of course, we tried to achieve the result, but no one set such a task – to win. As the result showed, the Presidential Administration became the best out of fifteen teams. It's good, people trained not in vain. They felt like sportsmen, felt like a team. As for the Presidential Administration, all the people who were far from rowing were sitting in the boat. I used to rowing, kayaking, but never canoeing before. Nevertheless, the collective rowing was formed, and there is a result. I hope to participate next year.
Kozhukhar Natalia, Radio 1:
Vadim Nikolaevich, if we return a little from the pleasant to the urgent - the issue of peace and stability, you recently voiced an initiative according to which the participants in the negotiations of the 5 + 2 format should sign a special document on guarantees of peace and security in Pridnestrovie. There have already been positive reactions to it. What do you think, whether to sign this document before the end of the year and in general?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I will start with why such an idea arose, what is its meaning. There have been terrorist attacks on our territory, all these are charms on themselves. It's stress, it's all unpleasant. There were 8 attacks. When I meet with the emergence of the “5 + 2” situation, the ambassadors of foreign states, with the OSCE mission, there is a general unification, everything is about peace, no one talks about war. Everyone, as one, says that terrorist attacks are impossible, it is necessary to maintain peace in Pridnestrovie. That is, a common understanding and a general feeling of the desire to maintain stability and peace here, in Pridnestrovie, are being created, without shaking the situation. In general, it is very dangerous to undermine the situation in Pridnestrovie in fact. God forbid, the flames of war would spread to Pridnestrovie, then it will 100% spread to Moldova, and there, of course, Moldova's allies on the one hand, the Russian Federation with a peaceful mission on the other – this already threatens a clash between Russia and NATO here, on the territory of Pridnestrovie, on the territory of Moldova, which is unacceptable. Sound people are right, no matter how they relate to Pridnestrovie, to our idea of independence. Sound people, pragmatists, not hysterics and provocateurs, this is a requirement. When I talk to ambassadors, serious people, everyone talks about peace. Since you're talking about peace, let's sign the document – that's the idea. It's one thing to talk, it's another to reinforce Sign the desire to keep the peace. We welcome such a project and welcome everyone. So far, everyone is studying, everything seems to be happening, there are positive reviews. We must come to peace in this way too. This is an example of the fact that one can expect results at the negotiating table, if there is peace. The position of peace is secured by the signature of one or another official.
Alexander Karasev, newspaper "Pridnestrovie":
Vadim Nikolayevich, the world is discussing the possibility of world food development. Will it touch us? This is also connected with the events, of course, with the violation of logistical routes. The drought plays a role. What reserves do we have?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
You probably remember that since 2016-2017 I have been constantly talking about the self-sufficiency of the state, self-sufficiency in food products. Surprisingly, then I even met criticism on the Internet: they say, what self-sufficiency, everything can be bought. I foresaw that times would come when even with money, with big money, you would not be able to buy what people need in terms of consumption. Therefore, I personally, and the Government, and the Supreme Council, we all together spent maximum efforts precisely on creating the foundations of self-sufficiency, agrarian self-sufficiency of our state. There were soft loans at 3%, and the development of the reclamation system. We have reduced taxes in regard to agricultural production, in the agricultural sector in general. This striving for self-sufficiency is bearing fruit today. If you pay attention, all the vegetables on the market are Pridnestrovian. This was not the case five years ago. Five years ago, excuse me, we bought vegetables in Ukraine, at wholesale depots, from there they brought peppers, tomatoes, watermelons. Now there is no such thing. Now we collect our vegetables, our fruits, our berries, it's all in our market. Self-sufficiency. As for the grain group, that's how it was, by and large. In terms of grain, we have full prosperity, a reserve for one and a half to two years, that is, regardless of the current situation, we will have bread. The issue of price is also relevant, we'll talk about it later, of course. The same question was about sunflower oil. The Parkany oil extraction plant that produces sunflower oil, it produced from 5 to 6 tons of sunflower oil per day, this is just the daily need of Pridnestrovie - according to statistics, we consume 5-6 tons of sunflower oil. That is, the plant completely covers the needs of Pridnestrovie, one small plant in Parkany. This is enough for our small republic. Of course, we have strengthened the direction of sour-milk products and animal husbandry. Of course, this is not the limit, we must go further, develop. Good results are shown by the Parkany dairy plant (Fialt-Agro) and the meat processing plant. The Bendery Meat Processing Plant also produces 450 types of products – good, high-quality, everyone consumes it – and develops production, already has its own livestock, its own meat. This is in addition to selling fresh meat at an affordable price. It's all great. Not to mention small-scale farming, the private sector that supplies its products to our green markets in cities and regions. This is the result. Taking into consideration the above, there is optimism, we can say that we will cope. Everyone declares this, they say that there will be a military, energy and food crisis. We are ready for this, our population will not starve. Everything is stable here: you can see for yourself, the stores are full, the market is filled with food. It's too early to say, but you should always prepare. We must always prepare for the worst scenario, even if it does not happen later, we must prepare for this. Naturally, we must develop agriculture, and next year we have declared the Year of Agriculture, Agro-Industrial Production, in this regard, I see three areas of development: this is the development of agro-industrial production, this is the development of territories as such, and this is the development of rural tourism. This is very relevant and interesting. We will continue to work on the improvement of our lands. We have about 30000 hectares of land under reclamation today. There were 7-8 thousand hectares at the beginning of 2017. You imagine what a step forward. Our region was considered to be irrigated in the proper amount, there were 62 thousand hectares under Soviet rule. By and large, we have already reached 50%, and I set the task – to reach the result of 60 thousand hectares of irrigated land in Pridnestrovie in the next 4 years, and maybe even exceed it. The main thing is that it should be in demand. Of course, water is a completely different crop, it is a completely different profitability and, again, our self-sufficiency. It should be noted that all pumping stations, all engines, all attachments are the products of our Elektromash plant, repairs are carried out again by Elektromash, pipes are produced here, and farmers already buy frigates, watering installations on a soft loan, connect and enjoy this benefit. All this ultimately stabilizes the market and creates benefits for our consumer. Most importantly, Pridnestrovian people consume good food.
If we talk about prices, of course, prices are rising, this is objective. They grow everywhere, but our prices are 20, 30, 40 percent lower than in neighboring Moldova, and we cannot allow a large difference delta, because, you understand, we will simply buy everything, buy in bulk. It is unacceptable. It was already a problem when Moldovan farmers, resellers, let's say, came to our wholesale market, bought everything in bulk from our farmers and brought everything to Moldova. This is also unacceptable, here it is necessary to regulate the appropriate relations. The cost of production includes the price of water, the price of electricity and the price of gas. Here are the three components of energy. We have a price for water of 70 kopecks, in Moldova - 4-5 lei, there is no need to say, 15 times more in Moldova the price of gas than in our country, for electricity - 4-5 times. All this energy load is included in the cost of manufactured products in Moldova naturally and as far as I have information, there are serious problems there. We opened refrigerators for long-term storage of vegetables and fruits, and then refrigerators are closed because they become unprofitable, it is very expensive to maintain them. This also, of course, affects, not to mention the price of fuels and lubricants and plant protection products. Nevertheless, we are moving forward, the farmers are working, we have very conscientious and hardworking people, the land is well-groomed and is bearing fruit.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
Vadim Nikolayevich, if we return to the topic of war and peace. We are constantly talking about peace, we invite mediators and observers to talk again, we are talking about this with Moldova. There, it seems, they say that war is wrong, bad, and so on, and they don’t even want to talk about any conflict with us. Nevertheless, on September 1 in Moldova, as we have a Lesson of Peace, they will dedicate this day to the veterans of the war on the Dniester, that is, to those who attacked Pridnestrovie in the early 90s. Of course, it can be assumed that these people will come and tell the children about the Peace, but it is frankly a little doubtful. What do you think about this?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
Well, what can be said? The problem here is ideology, I guess. Ideology implies its heroes. Ultimately, it turns out that different ideologies form different heroes. We have heroes - those who protected, and there heroes - those who attacked. I assume that the former defenders of the so-called integral Moldova will tell how they attacked, how they broke into Bendery, how they broke into Dubossary. What else can be said? How they tried to occupy the state administration of the city of Bendery, how they shot from mortars, from artillery Dubossary. Well, our defenders will tell something else: how they defended, how they protected children and women, how they fought back from the invasion, how they tried to keep the peace and fought for peace. You know, it's hard to criticize. Please: if they see exactly these people as their heroes - such an assessment for them by and large. I repeat once again that this is a product of ideology and the desire to follow precisely these directions. All this causes regret to a greater extent, namely regret that people did not realize what they actually did, of course. Sooner or later, time will put everything in its place. Our veterans have always come to schools - veterans of the Great Patriotic War, veterans of the war in Pridnestrovie. They always talk about the peace, how they defended their Motherland. This is what memory is.
As for memory, I would like to expand the brackets a bit. Maybe this is the answer, its essence. I'm sure you're following what's happening. We opened an improved Kitskany bridgehead just last week, we made it informationally accessible, with panoramas of military operations. It turned out to be interesting. You were all there, looked, and I think that it is on such things that people should be educated. We say at the same time that we care about our memory and thank our ancestors. There was yesterday a regimental celebration of the 55th Podolsk Infantry Regiment, a subdivision of the army of the Russian Empire, the 14th Infantry Division, which was stationed first in Chisinau, then in Bendery, Tiraspol. Many people ask the question: why do we need these events? It would seem that 100-200 years have passed, yes, there was such a unit, but there were hundreds of such units. What for? I want to say it again with the words that I said yesterday at the memorial complex. One of the basest human qualities is the lack of gratitude to one's neighbor. Probably, everyone in this studio felt at one time or another the black ingratitude from their neighbor. Surely, it jarred on you and did not suit you. As a result of these relationships, human relationships are violated. Imagine that a whole generation of people living today does not thank the generation that has passed away. What is gratitude? Gratitude is grace. People living today in the absence of gratitude are deprived of this grace, as a result, they make certain decisions – first to cancel the symbols of Victory, then to demolish monuments to the defenders of the Fatherland – both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, then there is a revival of Nazism and fascism, and then brother kills brother... That's the problem. A generation is growing up that does not know its history, does not feel grateful to its ancestors, does not know its kinship, does not have a future, does not have grace.
In fact, remember your ancestors, take care of the graves of the fallen soldiers – this is the form of grace of the current generation, this is how people should be educated. Not only youth. People of different ages need to be educated on this, otherwise the people are doomed. I am sure, and so history shows, that he who has forgotten his history, who mocks the graves of his ancestors, is doomed to oblivion. If you look closely at the countries of the world, traditional states where they honor their history, their traditions, thank the departed generations, they prosper. Those who forget, they all leave. It's not about the youth. Sometimes they begin to argue: "Here we are in due time ...". This all is nonsense. We have beautiful young people in Pridnestrovie. I want to draw attention to one nuance. Is it the youth that bans the symbols of Victory? Are young people demolishing monuments to Soviet soldiers in the Baltics or in Europe? Young people start wars? No, young people suffer, absorb all this negativity, and then, when they grow up, they will act in a similar way. The youth is a mirror of the adult generation. There is no need to blame the youth. Give the youth what they want and they will always be by your side. You can talk about patriotic education, you can talk about these events, you can talk about sports, playgrounds, and so on. Give the youth what you want and they will be by your side. Of course, when monuments are destroyed, St. George ribbons are destroyed, when someone from the embassies is embarrassed to put on this ribbon, when lessons are given by those who really killed, they will talk about their military exploits, this is how the youth is formed. Therefore, we pay special attention to gratitude to the departed generations in Pridnestrovie – the soldiers of the Russian Empire, the soldiers of the Soviet army, the defenders of Pridnestrovie. We will continue so. This is the essence of the Pridnestrovian people.
Igor Avrenev, TSV:
Vadim Nikolayevich, in continuation of the topic about youth and about the peace. There are hundreds of people in the center of Tiraspol every evening, even on weekdays. Basically, these are families, young people, many pensioners sitting on benches, just looking at life around, how everything is going on. I would like to know whether peaceful life will continue in this difficult time: construction, some kind of development, will money be spent on peace?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
Of course. There is no doubt. No matter how difficult. And it's really difficult now. I will not name figures, but there is a percentage of the fall in budget revenues. Therefore, we have reduced the Capital Investment Fund and other development funds this year. Nevertheless the process is underway as you can see. We repair schools and kindergartens, build sports grounds, build park areas. This must be done. People need it like their daily bread. We will spend on the development of healthcare next year. We need to make the Republican Clinical Hospital seriously. We need to build a new modern building there. It is necessary to complete the repair of Pridnestrovian State University. We are commissioning a completely renovated building "A" this year, September 1st. We consecrated the church of St. Tatiana next to the university, this is also wonderful. We are building sports grounds for people this year. Here the youth again. Do you remember before? Young people with gadgets are sitting at the computer. Of course, if a young person has nowhere to go, he will sit at the computer, correspond with agemates. Let’s make a park for them, not only the Catherine, any park, and they will walk in this park. Perhaps he will sit with the same gadget there, but in the park. Or maybe not. It will still be in nature. Create conditions for sports. Those conditions that were, humpbacked asphalt, sorry, this is the day before yesterday. Please note that all the sites that are newly built are all filled with people. competitions of yard teams were held at a new sports facility just last week in Bendery, in the Solnechny microdistrict. 15 or 16 yard teams participated. That is, each yard has a team, they show up and play. Alexander Viktorovich Korshunov organized all these events. Well done, he's doing community service. It was interesting. There were about 200 people participating in these competitions. For example, rowing base in the city of Bendery that has been repaired. More than 300 young people are studying there now – girls and boys. It is difficult to provide everyone who even wants in terms of sports equipment or a boat. Therefore, it is necessary to do. We are forming the Capital Investment Fund next year, making appropriate projects and will develop, finish what we started and build new facilities.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
Vadim Nikolaevich, Pridnestrovie has been helping Ukrainian refugees for a month now. Everything or almost everything is free for them, there are many benefits, preferences. To be honest, many people at first, ordinary Pridnestrovians doubted how these people would adapt here, how they would behave, including in some everyday moments. Time passed, and it turned out that there was nothing to worry about at all. They do not differ from our Pridnestrovians in any way, there is no talk of any conflicts. The question is purely financial: how much money will Pridnestrovie have enough to continue, taking into account all the difficulties you are talking about, to support the citizens of Ukraine.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
We must help our neighbor. This is a Christian command. , Ukraine, the city of Odessa, Odessa region sheltered our refugees for a certain period of time when there was a war in Pridnestrovie. Nobody knew what period it would be. They sheltered, gave housing, gave bread. This is the form of gratitude – what I was talking about. Therefore, we sheltered Ukrainian refugees here in Pridnestrovie of course, but it should be noted that people came here to the peace, you understand? The vast majority of those people who came to us here came to live a peaceful life. We arrived with children, the children went to school, the children went to kindergartens. In addition, we helped people get a job legally. That is, everyone who came to us from Ukraine can get a job, receive a legitimate salary and live here, in Pridnestrovie. We still have temporary residence centers. About 200 people are accommodated there, but most either rent an apartment or stay with relatives, somehow settled here. More than 50 thousand Ukrainian refugees passed through Pridnestrovie for the entire period of time, and they are constantly within 22 thousand in total. We don't really see them, they don't stand out. Why don't they stand out? We are one society by and large, we were one province – Kherson in the Russian Empire, close to each other under the Soviet Union. It is very difficult in fact to distinguish a Tiraspol resident from an Odessa resident. It is essential to help your neighbor. This is also a form of gratitude. Many appreciate it. You have to do it, no matter how hard it is. Let's share. Our children will be fed, and their children should also be fed. This is the main thing.
Alexander Karasev, "The Pridnestrovie" newspaper:
Vadim Nikolaevich, I will touch on the coronavirus pandemic. We are talking about the fact that it is not over. What percentage of our population is vaccinated? How is this work going? After all, not only people who have been ill with coronavirus should be vaccinated, but above all those for whom this disease is a risk. A lot of work has been done. I see. All structures fought for each person. We can't afford to repeat what happened.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
As for the coronavirus pandemic, it is not developing in Pridnestrovie, it is developing all over the world, and it will not pass us by. We just need to prepare for this and fight this evil, I have already spoken about this. As for vaccination, we have voluntary vaccination, I want to remind you. We have vaccinated 31.2% of the population. This is a good indicator, the average of all states – even where there was compulsory vaccination. There is one problem with vaccines. So far, there are no results from the third phase trial of these vaccines. Not a single state, not a single pharmaceutical company has published the results of testing these vaccines, whether they help or not. They probably help, but you need to study it all, read it. When will it all be? By and large, compulsory vaccination can be introduced only when there is a result of a full test of these vaccines – the first, second, third phases. Then we can seriously talk about the introduction of this vaccination forcibly. As long as this is not the case, there is basically nothing to talk about. Therefore, we left the form of voluntary vaccination. If you want, get vaccinated. This is right. Everyone must make their own choice. Of course, we popularized vaccination, held campaigns in cities and regions, and vaccinated people. We had almost all vaccines to choose from, six or seven vaccines. You could choose any, look at its effect. Then to be vaccinated or revaccinated. If you look at the statistics, both are sick. Perhaps people who have been vaccinated don't get sick as badly. That's what the doctors say. The pandemic is not over yet in any case. It is on the decline, we have already overcome the peak in Pridnestrovie. I think by the end of September we will reach a very low level. Then there will be the sixth wave. Nobody is safe. I'm afraid that someone can deliberately generate this pandemic in some laboratories, modifying this virus. I do not exclude. You see, in this crazy world with all the geopolitical catastrophes, anything can be assumed. You just have to be ready to meet the enemy in any guise. This is our task, and then – as God wills.
Natalya Kozhukhar, Radio 1:
Vadim Nikolaevich, returning to the question of helping others. There are still queues at the Russian consulate for Russian passports, and our citizens definitely need help in this regard. The issue was discussed at different levels in Moscow, they said that the work of the consulate in Tiraspol needs to be strengthened. Are there any moves in this direction?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
This problem was discussed by me personally in the State Duma, in the Federation Council, in the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. I have information at present that they are really expanding the staff, preparing people for business trips here, to the consular service point in Pridnestrovie. This work must be completed. We have a large number of Russian citizens. There are negative facts when the passport is expired. People cannot receive a pension – this is one thing. They cannot leave the territory of Pridnestrovie – this is the second point. They cannot use family ties – this is the third point. And so on. Therefore, we very insistently demanded that this problem be solved, and as I said there is movement forward, in principle. I hope that this work should be completed by September. If not, we will again demand and achieve.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
Vadim Nikolaevich, before your vacation, you wrote in your telegram channel (which, by the way, has an excellent indicator: some messages have twice as many views as subscribers) that you are going to travel around Pridnestrovie. Where did you end up visiting? What have you discovered for yourself? What advice would you give viewers and us too?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I didn't travel far. It was interesting for me to get acquainted with folk crafts. I visited pottery in the Slobodzeya district. A resident of the village of Vladimirovka is engaged in pottery. Interestingly, the production corresponds to 100-200 years ago, when our ancestors sculpted pots and plates with their own hands. I advise everyone. I have children, grandchildren, a wife, everyone participated and made jugs and cups with their own hands. It is interesting. I visited parks, just walked around them. He came to Rybnitsa, Grigoriopol, Kamenka districts, visited historical places, visited the fortress more than once. I was at a movie screening in the evening – also interesting. I walked in the Catherine Park. I enjoyed Pridnestrovie, really enjoyed Pridnestrovie. I watched people: when you see people in such places, people who are happy, smiling, who walk with their children, grandchildren, they don’t rush anywhere, they don’t create any fuss, they behave calmly in this difficult, let’s face it, peace, somehow joyfully. It is necessary for the sake of this, probably to lead and live for the peace of people and for the sake of people's lives. Of course, I went out on the water, trained, prepared for competitions. In fact, three times a week I went out on the water with my wife on “dragon” boats. We trained, raced. So the time has passed.
The main thing is to rest your soul. You can fly to Europe and Antalya, but here you can also relax. I really have a rest in Pridnestrovie. Wherever I am outside of my small homeland, I want to return here, really home. No matter how good it is somewhere, we are guests there, and here we are at home.
Alla Ivanchenko, News of Pridnestrovie news agency:
In continuation of the topic can we already say today that we have a tourism industry, and how soon will we receive economic benefits from it?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
We are not working for economic benefit in this part. It will, of course. Tourism brings money to the state - not just for the sold ticket for the route. This is public catering, these are other, affordable moments of relaxation, where people pay money. But we do all this for our citizens. Do you remember how people in the Soviet Union loved it when foreigners came, everything was the best for them, but for their citizens not always. This is wrong in my opinion. This is the wrong approach. The best must be given to your people. Foreigners are good, let them come, get acquainted, observe from the side, participate. The best should be given to your people, to your citizens, as I argue. Therefore, we create our routes specifically for our people, for domestic tourism. We will continue to do so. Here, for example, in Bendery there will be a wonderful internal route. From the Bendery-1 station, completely go through Lenin Street to the House of culture named after P. Tkachenko, go to the embankment, which is being repaired, walk along the embankment, past the rowing base under the bridge to the beach, take a walk there, then climb the stairs to Alexander Nevsky Park, drink coffee, tea and return to Lenin Street through the city center. I think it's a good hiking trail, it's a good cardio workout, it's a good walking workout. Everywhere you can stop, I repeat, drink coffee, tea, eat a croissant. You can take your grandson and children on roller skates, on a scooter, or go through the entire route on a bicycle. It's fine.
Tiraspol also has its own route, and also in every city and district, not to mention the countryside. We will continue this for our people, so that our people feel comfortable and cozy.
We are talking about jobs, industries, business, work, but we must also talk about comfort. A person should not only work, but should rest - both physically and mentally. This is one of the main tasks of any normal state. This work, both on the Capital Investment Fund and on other development funds, will be continued, no matter how difficult it may be. It's necessary.
Alexander Karasev, "The Pridnestrovie" newspaper:
Vadim Nikolaevich, in continuation of what you said. It was nice, of course, to hear that you spent your holidays in the republic, visited many interesting places, we adopted some points. There are proposals in this regard from our Pridnestrovians, readers. We have our own "sea" in the republic - this is the Dniester Estuary. People come there to rest not only from nearby villages, from Tiraspol, from Bendery. I know that from Rybnitsa, from Dubossary even buses go there on weekends. Now they propose to develop this zone in order to ennoble this area, make campsites there, make a recreation center so that people can have a full and comfortable rest. It may be worth listening to these proposals and further consider this issue. This is the question I convey from the readers of our newspaper.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
Well, yes. The place is really interesting. I think that we need to approach this issue, come up with a good project. This is not only the business of the state, it can also be a matter of private investment. This is normal and reasonable. The task of the state is to put the infrastructure in order. Any place that is connected with water can be ennobled and become a great place to relax. There must be real proposals, and we will consider them. By and large, we will absolutely help the development of such a recreation area as the Dniester Estuary on the part of the state. I will think about it, I will talk with the heads of administrations, with the government. You said it right, and people are absolutely right, the place deserves its attention.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
Vadim Nikolaevich, we have touched upon the topic of your presence in social networks. Your Telegram is read, it is popular. Many people ask why the President is not on Instagram. When are you expected there?
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
It was not the very purpose to participate in social networks, I had another task. The task is to quickly convey the information necessary for people. The Telegram channel copes with this. That's enough for now.
Viktor Savchenko, First Pridnestrovian TV Channel:
You can post more pictures there.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
I'm not in pictures. I'm on information.
Igor Avrenev, TV channel TSV:
The birthday of the Republic is ahead. When the New Year comes, everyone sits at the table and listens to what the President has to say. So it turns out that on September 2 we have something like the New Year of the country. Everyone will celebrate, raise their glasses to peace. It will be the most popular short speech now. I would like to hear what the President has to say.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the PMR President:
In the new political year, the new year of the republic, right? I will not be original. There are two wishes that may have once seemed banal to us. This is peace and health. Peace and health – both for every citizen of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, and for the state as a whole. Everything will be aligned.
