VIDEO // Deputy PM for reintegration at negotiations in Tiraspol says country's clear goal reintegration of Transnistrian region into legal space of Moldova

The process of reintegrating the region on the left bank of Dniester is taking place gradually, and discussions have been launched to establish concrete steps in this process. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri made statements to this effect at the beginning of a today’s negotiation meeting in Tiraspol.

“The reintegration process is a gradual one, but for progress to be visible, permanent dialogue stays the key to concrete and lasting results. Our priority remains the preservation of peace and stability and the creation of conditions for people’s safety,” Chiveri said.

The deputy PM stressed that the settlement of the conflict must be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic tools, with strict respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders.

“Our clear objective is the reintegration of the region on the left bank into the legal, economic, financial, social and food space of Moldova,” he added. Chiveri  noted that the process was already visible in people’s daily lives: thousands of people cross the Dniester for work, education or medical services.

The deputy prime minister also presented the initiatives being prepared to support reintegration:

- The Convergence Fund, to finance social and infrastructure projects on the left bank, with the adoption of the legislative package planned by mid-March;

- The extension of mechanisms that allow economic operators to operate legally in the region on the left bank;

- The continued gradual economic integration, with the consolidation of the necessary legislation and regulations.

Chiveri also mentioned other sensitive areas, including human rights, freedom of movement and access for journalists, stressing that “human rights in the region are constantly violated and there are no effective protection mechanisms.”

He further emphasized that Moldova’s European integration process was an integral part of the discussions and that existing information mechanisms must be used correctly, in order to support economic operators in adapting to the European context.

The today’s meeting focuses on discussing the agenda and identifying concrete measures for the coming period, with no item yet adopted or finalized.