TASS:
Pridnestrovie celebrates the Day of the Introduction of Russian Peacekeepers on July 29, who stopped the bloody conflict on the banks of the Dniester 32 years ago, including at the request of the Moldovan leadership. They say in Kishinev now that the Russian military is hindering negotiations on the settlement of the conflict and that they should be withdrawn from the Security Zone and replaced by a mission of international observers. What do you think about this proposal?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Russia helped stop the bloodshed, prevented the war from developing on the Dniester, thereby saving hundreds, thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of lives of citizens of both Pridnestrovie and Moldova thirty-two years ago. This is a fact. It is easy to start a war, but very difficult to stop it. Thank God, this was done in a relatively short period of time in Pridnestrovie, but the conflict is not over. The joint peacekeeping mission of Russia, Pridnestrovie and Moldova has been ongoing for 32 years, thanks to which peace and quiet are maintained on the banks of the Dniester. We Pridnestrovians are for the continuation of the current peacekeeping operation as it guarantees peace and the development of the negotiation process. Some Moldovan politicians are against it, but I suppose that they do not express the will of the people. The majority of Moldovan citizens are for peace and are not against the peacekeeping operation.
TASS:
The Moldovan government approved a new defense strategy in July, which named Russia as the main threat to the republic. It states that the Pridnestrovian army poses a serious danger. President of Moldova Maia Sandu consider it is necessary to intensify cooperation with NATO, despite the neutrality stipulated in the Constitution. The alliance's military is increasingly developing Moldovan territory, and exercises with their participation are increasingly taking place near the demilitarized zone, which is guarded by peacekeepers. What risks does this pose for Pridnestrovie?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Yes, the Moldovan leadership indeed approved the defense strategy, which talks about the allegedly existing threats. But the real threat to Moldova's security in my opinion is the nationalistic and militant slogans of a number of officials, including some Moldovan parliamentarians and public figures. They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. There are plenty of such examples in history. I hope that common sense will prevail, and those who are directly responsible for Moldova's security will soberly assess the current situation and will not plunge Moldova into any kind of military, bloody adventure.
TASS:
A series of terrorist attacks occurred in Pridnestrovie in the spring of 2022, after which the "red" level of terrorist threat was introduced, then lowered to "yellow". Does the threat of terrorist attacks remain?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Terrorist attacks occurred not only in the spring of 2022, but also in 2023 and 2024. There are always risks, and now there are special circumstances that require increased attention. Yes, we introduced the "yellow" code in the republic. This does not create problems for citizens. I am sure that Pridnestrovians do not feel any discomfort, except moral from the special regime, perhaps. Law enforcement agencies and other structures are on high alert to respond to any kind of negative incident.
A number of terrorist attacks have been solved. The perpetrators have been brought to strict criminal responsibility. Investigations into others are ongoing.
TASS:
The Pridnestrovian authorities are declaring an economic blockade by Moldova. What damage has it caused, what measures are being taken to overcome its consequences?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Our statements are a statement of facts. Moldova is indeed hindering the development of the Pridnestrovian economy. The policy of economic strangulation is characteristic of Moldova, this is no secret. The neighboring republic has resorted to such practices more than once over the past three decades. There is another round. It has been protracted unfortunately. Unable to cope with the solution of some of its far-fetched problems with political instruments the Moldovan leadership is using the historically proven method of economic pressure. Yes, it is strangling. Yes, it is erecting new obstacles and barriers for our economic entities, for participants in foreign economic activity. I will not repeat – we have heard stories of our large industrial enterprises forced to stand idle for months, storing finished products, losing personnel who are simply worth their weight in gold, and partners whom they have never failed through their own fault. The country's financial losses are significant. Entrepreneurs are looking for new markets, logistics schemes. We do not lose hope of understanding the essence of the Moldovan demands. I will remind you at the same time that about two hundred agreements have been officially concluded between Moldova and Pridnestrovie, most of which are not implemented unilaterally by the Republic of Moldova.
TASS:
The Moldovan authorities have announced a course for integration into the EU, a referendum will be held in the fall along with the elections, the results of which are planned to be included in the Constitution. A constitutional referendum was held in Pridnestrovie, 97.1% of the participants of which voted for the independence of the republic in September 2006. Doesn't such a diametrical approach create insurmountable obstacles in the negotiations?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Negotiations exist to find the best solution for the parties. Any right-minded person understands that three and a half decades of separate residence is not a family quarrel. These are two separately lived lives. Generations of representatives of the multinational Pridnestrovian people and the people living in Moldova have grown up. I sincerely respect personally the choice of others. If they decide to integrate into the European Union and the citizens of Moldova will declare this – may everything work out and benefit you and your country, God bless you. Pridnestrovie has not changed its guidelines, plans, or values and is moving in the chosen direction. This is democracy. The same democracy that Europe promotes.
TASS:
They claim in Kishinev that Brussels is not against integrating Moldova in parts – first the right bank of the Dniester will join the EU, and then the left. Are such plans being discussed with you?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
As you may have noticed, many interesting things are being stated in Kishinev. It is not necessary to discuss them with me personally. The opinion of the people should be asked – by holding a referendum, as is done in a democratic society. The authorities should be guided by the results of the referendum.
TASS:
Sandu became the first president of Moldova to refuse to meet with the leadership of Pridnestrovie. How did this affect the negotiation process?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
I am ready for dialogue and I consider that any dialogue is better than any kind of tension.
