Deputy Chairperson of the Government of the PMR for International Cooperation, Foreign Minister Nina Shtanski and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova Farit Mukhametshin visited checkpoint “Pervomaisk”at a border with Ukraine.
During the visit the diplomats went upstairs the observation tower situated at the border checkpoint. Thus, Farit Mukhametshin got the opportunity to assess the situation on-site at a border between Pridnestrovie and Ukraine. During the briefing following the results of the event the parties voiced
Answering journalists' questions Farit Mukhametshin stressed that the border checkpoint “functions as normal”. The Ambassador noted that he did not see anything that would pose a threat for neighbouring Ukraine.
“We did not see any military units, any movements indicated on the preparation of certain “military operations” in Pridnestrovie. We see a normal peaceful life of people who want to work quietly and visit one another. Mass media, newspapers, radio and TV channels report to the contrary, I think, it is time to stop it,”- he stated.
Nina Shtanski drew attention to the fact that Pridnestrovian side invited to visit a border checkpoint virtually all ambassadors accredited in Moldova, however, only Russian diplomats responded. “We know well the statements by Ukrainian representatives at the highest level that certain armed groups form in Pridnestrovie and are located along the border. Official forecasts were even made concerning attacks on Ukraine by these armed groups from Pridnestrovian territory; it probably caused strengthening border regime and those blockade measures which Ukraine took towards holders of Russian passports living in Pridnestrovie. In order to resolve the issue we invited virtually all ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy, and international organizations so that they could see the situation at the border. Nevertheless, today, Farit Mukhametshin and I went upstairs the observation tower alone,” – said the Minister.
Nina Shtanski also paid attention that meanwhile, encampments, fortifications are clearly visible on the territory of Ukraine that could not help but raise the Pridnestrovian side's concerns. In this regard, the Diplomat expressed hope for rapid normalization of the situation and relations between Pridnestrovie and Ukraine as a whole.
“Threats never have come from Pridnestrovie either to Ukraine or to any other country. We have traditionally friendly, brotherly, and neighbourly relations with Ukraine, and I look forward that we will be able to return to such relations in the near future,” – she said.
