The Parlamentskaya Gazeta:
Vadim Nikolaevich, the Congress of Deputies of All Levels, a collegial advisory body of representative power was convened in Tiraspol today. This is the seventh time such a large-scale event is being held in the republic. Why was it necessary to gather deputies?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
Pridnestrovie has relied on the opinion of the people, using traditional tools of democracy throughout its modern history. The Republic was created by a popular decision. The Congress delegates are people’s representatives, that is they speak on behalf of all Pridnestrovians. The socio-economic situation in the country is becoming more and more difficult. Pressure from Moldova is getting worse. There is no bright spot. It is important for Pridnestrovie to be heard. I am now talking more about the international community, since there is little hope of reaching Moldovan officials.
Our position is simple and clear: we want peace, good neighborliness, and prosperity. These are simple human desires. We don't ask for anything. We strive for self-sufficiency. Please, don't stop us from living and developing. Moldova suppresses. It doesn’t work out politically, it puts pressure economically. I will not repeat myself about the prerequisites for convening the Congress – they are now on everyone’s lips. I will only note that our task is to call on the world community to prevent violations of the rights of Pridnestrovians to life and health, to free economic activity, to continue the negotiation process, to security and peace. Why was the Congress convened? To give Pridnestrovians the opportunity to speak out, voice reliable and complete information about the state of affairs, exchange opinions and proposals, make a consolidated decision on further actions and bring this information to international organizations that guard the rights and freedoms of citizens, of course.
The Parlamentskaya Gazeta:
What are the main results of the Congress?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
The main result of today’s Congress for me personally as the leader of the country was the confirmation of the unity of the Pridnestrovian people in the face of any difficulties. If you don’t give up and don’t rely on someone or something, then difficulties strengthen and unite you. Pridnestrovie is proof of this.
The Parlamentskaya Gazeta:
Chisinau introduced customs duties for Pridnestrovian legal entities and individuals on January 1. How much did this affect the state of the economy of Pridnestrovie?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
The blockade measures on the part of Moldova are a problem that did not arise today or on January 1 of this year. This is the historically established policy of the neighboring state towards Pridnestrovie. The pressure is constantly observed. Agreements are violated and restrictions are introduced. Last year with its extremely difficult geopolitical situation was aggravated by a new package of blockade measures taken by Moldova. This is a restriction on the foreign economic activity of our organizations, as a result of which many enterprises have suspended their activities or significantly reduced production. Exports are declining. The Pridnestrovian economy is export-oriented. There are more and more problems with the import of products, without which the organization of production processes is impossible. I'm not even talking about the social sphere. What does it cost to not allow medical equipment into the country? Large enterprises of the republic are idle. These are hundreds, thousands of jobs, families left without income. Why don't they want to hear this? The volume of industrial production was 17.6% less than last year's figures at the end of January. Negative dynamics in almost all sectors of the national economy (9 out of 11). It is important at the same time to understand that Pridnestrovie, and not Moldova, fulfills social obligations in terms of paying salaries, pensions, and benefits to Pridnestrovian citizens. Pridnestrovie has been independently providing for its people all these years. We don't need someone else's. The European Union has given us the opportunity to trade freely with European countries. What is Moldova doing? It takes away this opportunity. Moreover, it imposes double duties on our entrepreneurs, blocks accounts in Moldovan banks, and so on.
The Parlamentskaya Gazeta:
Could today's problems regarding Tiraspol and Chisinau lead to the creation of a source of tension in the region? What are the risks of various provocations?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
The situation is tense already. We remain true to our principles and insist on exclusively peaceful dialogue. Are provocations possible? Their possibility can never be ruled out. We are monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and maintain peace.
The Parlamentskaya Gazeta:
Moldovan politicians have recently repeatedly stated the need to stop the peacekeeping operation on the Dniester. What could such rhetoric lead to?
The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky:
The peacekeeping operation on the Dniester in its existing format is effective as time has shown and the only one possible until a complete, comprehensive, fair solution to the Pridnestrovian issue.