Bendery, May 17. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. For the first time since January 16, the OSCE Mission (mediator in negotiations between Pridnestrovie and Moldova) in Bendery hosted a meeting of political representatives of Tiraspol and Chisinau Vitaly Ignatiev and Oleg Serebryan. The negotiations took place in the presence of representatives of the mediators and observers, and this is a big moment: Chisinau has repeatedly tried to justify its inaction and attempts to disrupt the negotiations by the dysfunctionality of the 5+2 format.
“This is very important - everyone participates in the dialogue,” the Head of the PMR Foreign Ministry Vitaly Ignatiev emphasized.
During the meeting, Vitaly Ignatiev called on all participants to resume the normal negotiation process, emphasizing the importance of compliance with agreements. “It is necessary that the agreements we reach are implemented. Our job is to look for solutions in the interests of people,” Ignatiev recalled.
Everyone agreed that the settlement of the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian conflict must be achieved through peaceful means: the parties, mediators and observers. The political representative of Tiraspol invited Oleg Serebryan to review the draft declaration on the parties’ commitment to resolving relations exclusively by peaceful means. The Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova promised to analyze the text of the declaration.
“If Moldova is ready to work in a negotiating format, then there are no problems with confirming this through a declaration,” PMR Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev noted.
The negotiation agenda has remained the same since January. The problems have not been resolved since then, despite systematic calls from Pridnestrovie to work in the interests of the people.
The Problem of Importing Medicines. The refusal of the political representative of Moldova to agree on a mechanism for solving the problem led to a shortage of vital medicines.
“We had a serious session of the expert group on health issues. This group developed a modality of solutions on medicines, but, unfortunately, for political reasons, Oleg Dmitrievich (Serebryan, political representative of Moldova) did not agree on the solution that was developed by Pridnestrovian and Moldovan experts, which would relieve tension and restrictions in the supply of medicines to Pridnestrovie,” Ignatiev said.
“The Moldovan side is probably embarrassed to solve problems in the interests of the people. International support is needed here. I hope we will get it,” the Head of the PMR Foreign Ministry added.
Blocking the Import of Medical Equipment. “We have found a mechanism for resolving the issue, but it has not been implemented by the Moldovan side. The process is delayed – it’s in its 7th month,” Ignatiev noted.
Economic Pressure. Pridnestrovie called on Moldova to stop illegal levies from economic agents introduced at the beginning of this year - this has a negative impact on the socio-economic situation in the PMR. Another problem is that blocking the export of electrical enterprises under the false pretext of dual-use goods left 1,500 workers without work - this problem must be solved.
“Economic pressure from Moldova harms all residents of Pridnestrovie. These are a means of pressure that create tension,” Ignatiev said.
Vehicle Registration Points (VRPs, neutral license plates). Tiraspol reiterated its readiness to resume the VRPs` work.
Law on Separatism. It has been criticized by international negotiators and poses a threat to the residents of Pridnestrovie and the negotiation process.
To bring the negotiation process out of stagnation, Pridnestrovie approached the OSCE with a proposal to hold an international confidence-building meeting in Valletta, the capital of Malta, which currently chairs the OSCE. Previously, such meetings with the participation of international mediators and observers in the negotiations were held regularly.
“This was an auxiliary element of the 5+2 format. There is nothing new. It would be right to return to this practice. Because international mediation is not enough in the dialogue between the parties,” the Head of the PMR Foreign Ministry Vitaly Ignatiev noted.
