PMR Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev gave an interview to the correspondent of the Spanish news agency EFE Jose Ignacio Ortega Vasalo. The journalist was interested in a wide range of issues connected with the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian conflict, relations of Pridnestrovie with Ukraine and the European Union, as well as regional security.
During the conversation, Vitaly Ignatiev highlighted the political, legal and historical aspects of the formation of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, as well as the current state in the negotiation process. “In recent years, the negotiation process has steadily deteriorated due to the approaches applied by Chisinau, such as reluctance to solve pressing problems, disregard for the rights and freedoms of the Pridnestrovian citizens, unwillingness to comply with the prior commitments and use of any pretexts to block the negotiation mechanisms. Today, bilateral relations feature a critical array of problems, threatening to devolve into a large-scale escalation at any moment. The conflict-causing factors include the refusal of the Republic of Moldova to implement the agreements reached within the framework of package agreements, application of blockade and restrictive measures by Chisinau, and disruption of the meeting in the 5+2 international consultative format,” the PMR Foreign Minister explained.
The diplomat underscored that dragging out the appointment of a new political representative by Moldova today is an extremely alarming signal, since Chisinau “has thereby, as if for technical reasons, left the negotiating table with Pridnestrovie for an indefinite time.” According to the Minister, recent trends indicate that the Moldovan side is determined to test out both the negotiation structure itself and the patience of Pridnestrovie, as well as of international mediators and observers in the negotiations, for as long as possible.
During the interview, Vitaly Ignatiev dwelled on the humanitarian component of Moldova’s restrictive measures against Pridnestrovie, with a focus on the road transport and banking-financial spheres. He stressed that these restrictions, applied amid the pandemic, infringe on the rights of hundreds of thousands of Pridnestrovian citizens and worsen their socio-economic standing.
Responding to the journalist’s question about the prospects for the settlement of relations with Moldova, Vitaly Ignatiev noted, “Pridnestrovie is invariably seeking a comprehensive peaceful resolution of the conflict and the establishment of good-neighborly relations with Moldova. The critical point is that Moldova has neither historical, nor international legal, political and moral rights to make claims to the territory of Pridnestrovie. No one can decide the fate of the Pridnestrovian people for them or instead of them, a fortiori by means of threats and pressure.”
The head of the Foreign Ministry particularly stressed the vital stabilizing role of the peacekeeping operation on the Dniester which is a guarantee for the comprehensive security and the necessary context for a political dialogue.
Closing the interview, the PMR Foreign Minister shared his vision on the importance of the Sheriff football club participation in the Champions League for Pridnestrovie. “The sporting behaviour perfectly describes our society per se. Our football club was founded by enthusiasts who believed not only in their own strength, but also in the contributory role of sport in general and football in particular. The team worked hard and long to achieve their victories, but they accomplished it. Today, the game of the Sheriff team tells the world better than other ways about who lives in Pridnestrovie: open talented people who cherish peace, friendship and honest competitions on the principles of “fair play”. Football is a competition of professionals. Sheriff Football Club know how to surprise, because they strive to win. The desire to win is the basis of Pridnestrovie and is perfectly manifested in sports. At one time, our people defended their country with arms. Today we defend the honor of Pridnestrovie on diplomatic grounds and football fields. We will continue to do this with faith in victory”, the Minister concluded.
