Vitaly Ignatiev gave an interview to RIA Novosti. The diplomat spoke about the current state of the negotiation process, the reasons behind its stagnation, and outlined possible ways to restore full-fledged dialogue at all levels, including the work of the ‘5+2’ format. The minister also touched upon topics such as cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the two sides, the consequences of Moldova’s expulsion of three Russian diplomats, the role of the EU in the regional space, and the fate of the ammunition depots in Kolbasna.
The Foreign Ministry considers the statement made by the Moldovan side regarding the education-related discussions to be inadequate and marked by the tone of crude, simplistic propaganda.
It should be recalled that Pridnestrovian side insisted on an in-person meeting with Moldova’s political representative on April 8, largely with the aim of presenting to the Moldovan representatives a clear and comprehensive explanation of the necessary steps, offering three practical options for resolving the issue of a new lyceum building in Rybnitsa.
Another attempt by the office of the political representative of the Republic of Moldova to mislead the public regarding the planned meetings of the Expert (Working) Groups has been noted.
We emphasize – there are no Expert (Working) Groups or subgroups on statistical issues. Accordingly, the activities of a non-existent body could not, in principle, have been the subject of discussion at the meeting of political representatives on April 8.
Today, a meeting between the chief negotiators from Pridnestrovie and the Republic of Moldova, Vitaly Ignatiev and Oleg Serebrian, took place at the OSCE Mission office in Bendery. The discussion previously disrupted by the Moldovan side was made possible through the efforts of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Representative Thomas Lenk and the Head of the OSCE Mission Kelly Keiderling, both of whom, along with the Russian Federation representative, personally participated in the meeting.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses concern over the Moldovan side’s repeated refusal to attend the meeting of political representatives at the OSCE Mission office in Bendery.
Today, on 31 March, the mass media have disseminated statements by the law enforcement officials of Moldova alleging that a member of the Moldovan Parliament, Mr. Nesterovschi, is hiding on the territory of Pridnestrovie.
This is to officially inform that the law enforcement authorities of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic have no information as to Mr. Nesterovschi’s presence on the territory of Pridnestrovie.
