Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PMR Vladimir Yastrebchak answered questions of Pridnestrovian journalists regarding the current situation in Moldova-Pridnestrovie relations.
The Minister reaffirmed Tiraspol's readiness to participate in the meeting of the sides, mediators and observers of the Moldova-Pridnestrovie settlement process that was initiated by the Greek Chairmanship of the OSCE and is scheduled for November 6, 2009. Yet, as the diplomat marked, these consultations do not mean that negotiation process will be resumed in the “5+2” format. “We regard it as preparation for discussing all the aspects of Moldova-Pridnestrovie settlement; besides, it gives us possibility to get acquainted with a new political representative from Moldova. We hope, the Vienna meeting will help us better understand Kishinev's position on the issues we are interested in,” told Vladimir Yastrebchak. In this connection, the Minister expressed his concern with the protracted break in the work of expert groups, though their activity could be continued despite the fact that organs of power are not completely formed in Moldova.
Vladimir Yastrebchak announced that mediators and observers in the Moldova-Pridnestrovie settlement are trying to bring the sides to acceptable forms of dialogue; hence, the diplomats will have a rather tight schedule in the nearest time. Along with political consultations, the meeting with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office will also take place in Vienna, and a number of seminars on co-operation between law enforcement structures of Moldova and Pridnestrovie are planned for the middle of November; afterwards, mediators and observers of the “5+2” format will pay visits to Kishinev and Tiraspol.
Answering the journalists' questions, the Minister expressed his opinion, that high claims which are heard in Kishinev on the part of representatives of a new authority are so far just mere words meant for international interlocutors. “We consider that statements should not contrast with actions. If Kishinev speaks about withdrawal of the Russian peace-keepers, it should also define its own position towards the Agreement of 1992 “On the principles of peaceful settlement” and towards the Joint Statement of the Presidents of Russia, Pridnestrovie and Moldova signed in Moscow on March 18, 2009. In this point our Moldovan colleagues have certain freedom from the legal point of view, for example, they can denounce the Agreement of 1992. Another thing is that everyone estimates all real consequences of such practical steps. And these consequences will also appear to be to the utmost practical,” the head of the Pridnestrovian diplomacy told. “At the same time, Filat calls for improving contacts between population of Moldova and Pridnestrovie, what also contradicts the reality. I mean, there is no progress in solution of such problems as unblocking railway communication in Pridnestrovie, cease of criminal prosecution of Pridnestrovian officials by Moldova, removal of restrictions against economic agents of Pridnestrovie,” stressed the diplomat.
Touching upon the issue of the peace-keeping format transformation in Pridnestrovie, Vladimir Yastrebchak noted that Tiraspol proceeds from efficiency of the current peace-keeping operation. “The existing format has already become multinational. Alongside Russia, Moldova and Pridnestrovie also participate in this peace-keeping operation; there are observers from Ukraine and the OSCE as well. Its further internationalization has no sense. Attempts to propagate such ideas are made not for the benefit of the people who live here but are rather intended to promote certain political lines,” stated the diplomat.
Answering the question about relations between Pridnestrovie and Ukraine in the light of the election campaign that has already been launched in this country, Vladimir Yastrebchak marked that pre-election situation should not influence relations between the two states. The Minister assumed that different political powers of Ukraine may become more active in dealing with Pridnestrovian issue. He noted that the MFA maintains permanent contacts with the Ukrainian Ambassador in Moldova and is ready to co-operate with any Ukrainian politicians in order to discuss vital problems that citizens of Pridnestrovie are concerned with. “If our colleagues from Ukraine show their interest in adjusting Moldova-Pridnestrovie relations on the basis of earlier accords, we will do nothing but welcome it. We are also glad to build relations with Ukraine with due account for natural interests of both Ukraine and Pridnestrovie in this or that question. The more so as we have enough interests in common,” told Vladimir Yastrebchak.
The Minister answered a number of other questions of media representatives.
