Moldovan negotiator rules out Moscow role in solving separatist issue

In Chisinau, Moldova, the top negotiator in resolving the conflict with the pro-Russian Transdniestria separatist enclave has ruled out Russia’s involvement in finding a solution due to their ongoing war in Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian made this statement on national radio, emphasizing Moldova’s pro-European government’s dedication to securing EU membership.

The Prime Minister announced that the newly appointed Minister for European Affairs would lead Moldova’s team at the membership talks, which received approval from EU leaders last month.

Serebrian stated that the existing 5+2 Transdniestria negotiating process, which includes Russia and Ukraine, as well as the US and EU as observers, would serve no purpose while Russia continues its invasion in Ukraine.

He added, “Returning to that format for a peaceful settlement depends on improved relations between Moscow and Kyiv. It has not been officially disbanded, but it is frozen.”

The talks have seen little progress on the “third basket,” which pertains to the future status of the enclave in a country between Ukraine and Romania.

Moldova’s priority for 2024 is to continue gradual integration with the EU, as emphasized by President Maia Sandu, who has advocated for a greater EU role in resolving the Transdniestria standoff due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Transdniestria broke away from Moldova before the collapse of Soviet rule in 1991 and has remained on the country’s eastern fringe for over 30 years, heavily reliant on Moscow and lacking international recognition.

The latest round of talks this month was hindered by Moldovan customs duties related to their EU membership drive, which the separatists condemned as harmful to their businesses.

Due to new, tougher laws against separatism, the Transdniestrian negotiators have expressed concerns and announced that they will no longer attend talks in areas under government control, fearing arrest.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean revealed that Cristina Gherasimov, a former foreign ministry secretary of state, would now serve as the European Integration Minister and chief negotiator in EU membership talks, as well as head a new European Integration Bureau.

Her appointment, along with new Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi, came after the resignation of Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu last week.

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Ron Popeski and Leslie Adler)