Transnistrian issue shall be included in peace talks on the war in Ukraine, Mihai Popsoi
The Transnistrian issue must be part of the peace dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi said in an interview with the Public Broadcaster “Teleradio Moldova”. According to the official, this issue in the peace negotiations is essential to eliminate vulnerabilities affecting both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
“The Transnistrian issue must be part of the peace dialogue, so that this vulnerability does not exist behind Ukraine and inside the Republic of Moldova, which reduces the investment attractiveness of our country,” stressed Mihai Popsoi.
In addition, the minister stated that there is no real conflict between citizens on both banks of the Nistru, and the Transnistrian issue is the result of an “artificial conflict” created during the collapse of the Soviet Union to keep the Republic of Moldova within the sphere of influence of the Russian Federation.
“Citizens do not have conflicts among themselves. Reintegration must happen peacefully, organically and naturally. There is already a natural collaboration, especially in the economic field, where 80% of the Transnistrian region’s exports go to the European market with documents from the Republic of Moldova, and in sports, where representatives of the region contribute to the victories of our country,” explained the deputy prime minister.
Mihai Popșoi believes that, once peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine are reached, there are favorable premises for the Transnistrian issue to be solved peacefully for citizens on both banks of the Nistru. “The Republic of Moldova firmly supports the peace dialogue, which is the only solution to solve this dispute,” concluded the minister.
The interview was conducted on December 23. An excerpt will be broadcast on the “În Context” show starting at 7:15 p.m. You can watch it in full starting at 8:00 PM on the Facebook and YouTube pages of the Public Broadcaster „Teleradio Moldova”.