Janis Mazeiks, Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, is in Tiraspol on an official visit. The Ambassador and his colleagues were received by the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky. The meeting took place at the presidential executive office. The receiving party was also represented by the Deputy Chairman of the PMR Government – Minister of Economic Development Sergei Obolonik and the foreign affairs chief of the republic Vitaly Ignatiev.
The interlocutors noted that the topics discussed had not lost their relevance although about six months had passed since the previous meeting. Some problematic aspects have become even more acute. Vadim Krasnoselsky highlighted three areas for the upcoming discussion: maintaining peace, creating conditions for economic development, and respecting human rights.
The PMR President, speaking about commitment to the principles of peaceful dialogue of Pridnestrovie, recalled the proposal of the Pridnestrovian side to the participants in the negotiation process to sign the corresponding Declaration. The document is dated May 17 of this year. Vadim Krasnoselsky read out the text:
"DECLARATION
on commitment to negotiation methods in the process of settling relations between Pridnestrovie and Moldova
Noting the 30th anniversary of the start of the negotiation process for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the parties welcome civilized political methods of dialogue and international mediation that contribute to solving specific problems in the interests of people.
The parties will make efforts to prevent a deterioration of the situation in the negotiations, which is accompanied by a lack of constructive solutions, leading to risks of escalation of tension and loss of social support for the ongoing dialogue.
The participants in the negotiation process reaffirm in this Declaration their commitment to peaceful methods of resolving the conflict and resolving all issues exclusively at the negotiating table, as well as their readiness to refrain from putting forward preconditions, show good will, negotiate on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and conscientiously implement the agreements reached.
Pridnestrovie and Moldova will welcome the accession of all participants in the negotiation process to this Declaration”.
The text of the Declaration, laconic in its wording and significant in essence, was not signed either by the Moldovan side or by other addressees. The Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova rejected the edition proposed by Pridnestrovie. “The question arises: why? What's not to like about this Declaration? Everything is clear, transparent – a call for peace, for mutual respect, for the implementation of previously reached agreements. An appeal to all participants in the negotiation process to join this Declaration. I understand that, the “5+2” format cannot work now due to objective and subjective reasons, but we cannot hide behind this circumstance and not work at all. The Declaration is a good joint step. The Moldovan position is unclear when they reject the proposal to sign a peace document. Everyone is talking about peace and the exclusion of aggression, including the Moldovan side. So let’s sign and record this desire,” Vadim Krasnoselsky noted in the course of conversation with the European Ambassador.
The meeting participants discussing economic issues returned to the problem of obstruction of the activities of Pridnestrovian participants in foreign economic activity by Moldova. The matter was about closing accounts in banks of the Republic of Moldova, which automatically does not allow taking advantage of the opportunities of the DCFTA system provided to Pridnestrovian economic entities by the European Union. Vadim Krasnoselsky drew attention to the fact that Moldova is forcing the Pridnestrovians to resort to mediation services. He gave examples of specific enterprises that faced difficulties in exporting products and were forced to curtail production. Janis Mazeiks asked to provide a complete list of organizations that came under the negative influence of restrictive measures on the part of the Republic of Moldova, in particular those that faced the problem of closing (non-opening) bank accounts.
The interlocutors exchanged views on various issues on the negotiation agenda, discussed prospects for intensifying the dialogue, voicing specific proposals.
