Moldovan deputy premier has discussion with EU representative in 5+2 format on Transnistrian conflict settlement

Chisinau, 15 July /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnic on 14 July had a discussion with the European Union’s representative in the 5+2 format of negotiations for the Transnistrian conflict settlement, head of department at the European External Action Service Richard Tibbels, the Reintegration Policies Bureau has reported.  

Cristina Lesnic informed that, although a positive capital had been accumulated in her previous mandate, in the last months, the Chisinau-Tiraspol relation was eroding and had potential of being worsened, because of the artificial movement restrictions imposed by the Transnistrian side. In the context, the chief negotiator on behalf of Chisinau appreciated the importance of the European Union’s expertise on the Transnistrian file. Lesnic highlighted the need to present a general assessment of the situation. At the same time, the deputy PM expressed the necessity to establish a channel of communication with EU.  

Cristina Lesnic thanked the European Union for the financial support provided in the process of accommodation of physicians from the Transnistrian region, who work in settlements from the right bank of Dniester, as well as for the donations offered to manage the Covid-19 sanitary crisis for the residents from both banks of Dniester. The physicians and/or the medical staff were not able to move to work, being obliged to isolate themselves after crossing the administrative line.   

„The government’s tactics consisted in the promotion of positive measures, meant to stabilize the situation in the Security Zone. We did not introduce movement restrictions; on the contrary, we facilitated the procedures of import of medicines, food products and inputs for agriculture and all these in order to get close the population from both banks of Dniester. Yet, two sides are involved in any relation and Tiraspol responded by the illegal setting of 37 control posts and limiting the right of the residents from both banks of Dniester to free movement,’’ Cristina Lesnic said. She specified that the control posts cannot be described as sanitary, just as Tiraspol puts it, as ‘’border guard’’ forces in uniforms are present on the ground, who assume powers of control and verification and block the residents’ movement in the zone.    

The official expressed Chisinau’s concern not only about the limiting of the free movement, but also about the human rights in general, including to the free expression and access to health services. In the context, Cristina Lesnic noted that the Transnistrian side’s public statements cannot be checked on the ground, respectively, the real situation in the region cannot be assessed objectively.   

For his part, Richard Tibbels expressed openness and cooperation on the Transnistrian issue and showed interest, from the first source, in the current situation on the package of those eight priorities, vision and potential solutions. Richard Tibbels said that the European Union contributed to the consolidation of trust between the residents from both banks of Dniester and backed the beneficial initiatives for improving the population’s living standards.  

The officials exchanged opinions also on other subjects of common interest.

Attending the discussion were the heads of the diplomatic missions in Moldova and EU.

The officials agreed on maintaining a communication platform and on continuing to exchange information.