The authorities of the Republic of Moldova are fully committed to finding a peaceful solution to the Transnistrian conflict. However, the illegal presence of Russian troops on the country’s territory remains the main obstacle to resolving the conflict. President Maia Sandu made the statement in an interview with Hungarian media, in which she discussed Moldova’s prospects for European integration, national reintegration and the threats posed by Russian interference, MOLDPRES reports.
The head of state said that the authorities are taking steps to economically reintegrate the Transnistrian region and are consulting with the European Union and its member states to identify a peaceful solution.
“We are fully committed to finding a peaceful solution, but the biggest obstacle remains the illegal presence of Russian troops. We must resolve this issue before we can begin the process of a political settlement of the conflict. We are working in this direction, consulting with the European Union and cooperating with its member states,” Maia Sandu said.
The president noted that the situation in the Transnistrian region has changed since the start of the war in Ukraine, particularly due to worsening economic conditions and a reduction in support from Russia. Under these circumstances, an increasing number of residents are crossing to the right bank of the Dniester to work and obtain Moldovan citizenship.
“More and more people are coming to the rest of the Republic of Moldova to work and obtain Moldovan citizenship because they believe it is safer to be citizens of the Republic of Moldova than of Russia or the so-called Transnistrian region,” the president said.
Addressing the possibility of Moldova joining the European Union without first resolving the Transnistrian conflict and the situation in Gagauzia, Maia Sandu stressed that the two regions have different characteristics. In her view, Gagauzia cannot determine the entire country’s decision on European integration.
The president explained that the lower level of support for European integration in the autonomous region is influenced by Russian propaganda. The authorities are working to help residents preserve their language, culture and identity, while young people and business representatives are increasingly recognizing the benefits of Moldova’s membership in the European Union.