The EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Iwona Piórko, confirmed that she will visit the Transnistrian region for the first time on Friday, November 14. She shared this information in an interview with NewsMaker.md.
“I must emphasize from the beginning that for us, the Transnistrian region forms an integral part of the Republic of Moldova, and it is primarily the responsibility of the Moldovan authorities to work toward reintegration. I am hearing more and more encouraging signals in this regard. There is a new Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, whom I have not yet met, but I will do so very soon. I truly hope that the authorities will address this very important issue as soon as possible,” stated Iwona Piórko.
She underscored that human rights remain central to the values the European Union promotes worldwide — within the EU, in the Republic of Moldova, and across all its regions, including Transnistria.
“For example, I have met with media representatives who would very much like to visit the Transnistrian region but cannot. I would encourage them to consider changing this situation. You asked whether the European Union stands with the people of the Republic of Moldova, including in the Transnistrian region. I believe we demonstrated this last year, when it was cold, Russian gas was cut off, and the European Union came to the rescue. It was an emergency situation, but we should not act solely on emergencies. Therefore, while I can admit to providing additional financial support in this regard, it would certainly depend on reforms,” she added.
When asked about political prisoners in the Transnistrian region, the EU Ambassador replied: “I will save my messages for the actual visit. The people I am going to meet should not hear about these messages beforehand.”
The government led by Alexandru Munteanu recently appointed Valeriu Chiveri as the new Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration.