UK Envoy: Dialogue Key to Peace in Transnistria, Gagauzia
Dialogue is the "only way" to a peaceful solution to the challenges faced by the Transnistrian region and Gagauzian Autonomy, according to the British ambassador to Moldova, Fern Horine.
The diplomat states that, although she understands the Chișinău government's refusal to engage in dialogue with the pro-Russian bashkan elected from Comrat due to her support from fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor, the government must maintain dialogue with the people and other UTAG authorities.
"I think dialogue is very important. I also acknowledge that the current bashkan of Gagauzia has connections with Ilan Șor, who has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, and this is problematic for me as a British ambassador and for the Moldovan government. However, setting aside the leadership, it is important to engage with the people from the region, other authorities, universities, and media to ensure dialogue," declared Fern Horine, the British ambassador to Moldova, on the TV8 show "Black Box Plus."
Regarding the Transnistrian region, Fern Horine states that although "there is ongoing dialogue between Tiraspol and Chișinău," things must be viewed "more broadly."
"We need to think about how we can encourage dialogue and prosperity in these regions. (...) I am sure there are contacts occurring between all authorities. I encourage dialogue because I believe it is the only way to a peaceful solution to the challenges faced by these regions. Dialogue must be the answer," concluded the British ambassador to Moldova.
The Gagauzian Autonomy is currently led by Evghenia Guțul. The bashkan was supported in her election campaign by the fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor. She won the election on May 14, 2023, and was inaugurated on July 19, 2023. After the elections, Guțul and Șor's team that supported her were accused of voter bribery. The National Anti-Corruption Center then launched a criminal case "for acts of voter bribery and mismanagement of political party or electoral fund finances." Guțul and Șor denied the accusations.
Even though almost a year has passed since Guțul's inauguration, Maia Sandu has not signed the decree appointing her to the Cabinet of Ministers. The president previously stated that she had not done so because of Guțul's connections with Șor and the suspicions of corruption surrounding the bashkan.
In contrast, the Transnistrian region is led by separatist leader Vadim Krasnoselski, who is not recognized by Chișinău. The Transnistrian conflict is currently being discussed in the "1+1" format, as the initial "5+2" format became non-functional after Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Previously, the head of state said that Moldova is determined to resolve the "frozen" Transnistrian conflict peacefully and that "small steps" are being taken for the reintegration of the region.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
