Anatol Țăranu: Transnistria, not controlled by Chisinau, could become a “significant obstacle” in the European path

Transnistria, not controlled by Chisinau, could become a “significant obstacle” in the European path of the Republic of Moldova. The political analyst, Anatol Țăranu, explained that, although there are precedents when some countries entered the EU with unresolved territorial conflicts, it would be better for Moldova to join the EU “as a single country”. The statements were made during the March 8 edition of the show “Alternativa”, informs tv8.md.

“The unresolved conflict creates an almost insurmountable obstacle for Moldova’s accession to the EU, in its territorial integrity. To date, there is no answer to this question. There is a “Cyprus option” when part of Cyprus entered the European Union. Maybe this option is applicable to Moldova when the right bank enters the EU, while the left bank remains in the waiting room”, says Țăranu.

According to him, now a new “window of opportunity” has opened for solving the Transnistrian problem and the Moldovan authorities are “in a very delicate position”.

Kyiv proposes to intervene directly in the conflict and remove Russian forces and the regime from Tiraspol within days. This is also beneficial for Ukraine because it is forced to keep forces on the Transnistrian section of the border with Moldova, forces that are needed now on the front in the east of the country, the analyst believes.

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“But it is obvious that if the Ukrainian military operation coordinated with Moldova takes place, it will be seen by Russia as Casus Belli. Today’s Russia does not have the ability to attack Moldova with its army through an invasion. But imagine that tomorrow Chisinau will be hit with a Kalibr (Russian cruise missile) and we are far from being a Ukrainian society, we have a divided society”, said Anatol Țăranu.

He claims that Russia will not ignore the loss of control over Transnistria, as it will be a serious blow to Putin’s image.

“Any activation of the Transnistrian conflict, in any direction, is associated with unpredictable consequences. Therefore, politicians are very cautious on this issue,” the analyst noted.

According to him, the Transnistrian region is today 90% economically dependent on the Republic of Moldova and the authorities can use this leverage to reach a political settlement option. But on the other hand, the right bank depends on the left. Electricity is bought from the Transnistrian region and there would be practically nothing to replace this source.

“If the Moldavian society was monolithic, if there was no division here along civilizational lines, we would be largely prepared to solve the Transnistrian problem at this stage. But the state of society greatly weakens us, our position. And it does not allow us to take decisive measures for the Transnistrian settlement”, concluded Țăranu.

In mid-February, Prime Minister Dorin Recean said, on public television, that the left side of the Dniester must be demilitarized “by evacuating the Russian troops and demilitarizing the natives”, and then, the economic and social integration of citizens is important.

“There we have to achieve a fundamental thing, demilitarization. After this, everything else follows, and very important is the economic and social integration of our citizens who are there, but at the top of the table is demilitarization. It depends on several things, but it will be resolved at some point. We are in a period of geopolitical tectonic movements and, under these circumstances, I am sure that all parties will understand that this must be done,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

The Chisinau authorities have expressed their position many times regarding the reintegration of the region and the withdrawal of Russian troops. Chisinau opts for the resolution of the Transnistrian conflict exclusively through diplomatic and peaceful means.