Special status for Transnistrian region to provide for preservation of Moldova's European vector - deputy premier says

Chisinau, 11 December /MOLDPRES/- Special status for the Transnistrian region will provide for the preservation of the European vector of Moldova. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Gheorghe Balan made the statement in an interview with the MOLDPRES Agency.

The official noted that it is very difficult to name “a certain period in which this special status could be set”.

“The issue might take longer. However, the new status should be functional, not disturb the country’s social, economic and political stability, maintain Moldova’s European vector and improve the citizens’ lives. It is important that the reintegrated state is functional and operates in the interest of the people on both banks of the Dniestre”, Balan said.

At the same time, Balan said that the Transnistrian side refuses to discuss any political issues.”Previously, we have had blockages on other issues that we have managed to overcome, and we hope that our efforts to start discussions on the political settlement will be successful. It is important that after identifying a solution to have a plan for the development of the reintegrated state by preserving the European vector and ensuring the welfare of the population”, he said.

The talks on establishing a special status for the Transnistrian region are to be held with mediators and observers in the 5+2 format.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor M. Jantovan)