Vitaly Ignatiev gave an interview to the Russia 24 channel. The topic of discussion was the energy crisis and ways to resolve it. The minister stated that due to lacking natural gas supplies for almost a month, the situation in Pridnestrovie is very difficult. At the same time, according to him, Moldova is obstructing the republic’s access to energy resources.
The minister emphasized that Moldova is not merely unwilling or unable to provide [gas], but is actively disadvantaging and prolonging this crisis, therefore, making people to suffer. He said that certain inadequate, dishonest, and inhumane forces are trying to use this situation in order to further worsen the plight of half a million Pridnestrovians.
Vitaly Ignatiev described the emergency European aid to Pridnestrovie as “overheated” (overhyped) topic, pointing out that the authorities of the Republic of Moldova are “blatantly violating the approaches initially declared by the European Commission and by the Moldovan Prime Minister and the State Secretary for Energy”.
“We welcome European assistance, but what the Moldovan side is doing essentially undermines the European proposals. January is almost over, and we stay without gas, proper lighting, the regular operation of social facilities; our enterprises are idle. Meanwhile, the Moldovan side is focusing on dissecting the European proposals, and in reality, we see no grant today, nor results of this support,” Vitaly Ignatiev said.
The minister noted that the EU grant is not a conceptual solution to overcoming the energy crisis. Pridnestrovie needs a long-term gas supply under predictable, stable terms. There is a solution to meet this need and it is ready for implementation.
The minister emphasized lacking alternative mechanisms other than the proposal from the Russian side. He highlighted the sooner Moldova agrees to and finalizes the gas supplies under this proposal, the sooner light and heat will reach the households in Pridnestrovie. It is crucial.
