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Going in a different direction: Moldovans in Transdniestria carry the unrecognized country's red and green flag, but not to EU

BRUSSELS (Tiraspol Times) - Moldova will become a member of the European Union, but only after Transdniestria's independence has been formalized. That is the conclusion of a high level meeting in Brno (the Czech Republic), bringing together head of states of Central, East and South European countries.

During the meeting Romanian president Traian Basescu spoke out in support of Moldova's entry to the European Union.

" - Our region went through deep changes during the past 17 years: 10 countries became members of the European Union and states from the Western Balkans have a certain accession perspective. We wish for Moldova as well to be taken into account for a future step in the enlargement process", said Traian Basescu.

But it would be unwise to accept Moldova as a member of the EU before the issue of Transdniestria is resolved, Czech President Vaclav Klaus said. Klaus made the remarks at the summit of 16 presidents of central and southeastern European countries in Brno, in the east of the Czech Republic.

Comparing Moldova's situation to Cyprus, Klaus said, "Trying to accept another Cyprus that will be divided into two parts, making a similar mistake in the case of Moldova, would be unwise." Klaus said a similar solution was preferred by Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin, who said in his speech that it was impossible for Moldova to be integrated with the EU unless the issue of Transdniestria is resolved.

EU membership more important than Transdniestria-claim

Transdniestria seceded from the Moldavian SSR (MSSR) in 1990. One year later, the bulk of the MSSR declared independence as the Republic of Moldova. Last September, voters in a referendum in Transdniestria backed its independence from Moldova. Also known as Transnistria or Transdniester, the unrecognized country has been 'de facto' independent for most of the past 17 years.

The Czech Republic has itself been trough a split which can serve as a model for Moldova and Transdniestria. Formerly, it was half of a now-defunct country known as Czechoslovakia. During a "velvet divorce" it divided the country in two, becoming the now separate Czech Republic and Slovakia, two independent and sovereign states which agreed to go their separate ways after the Soviet Union dissolved and the iron curtain was lifted over Eastern Europe.

Moldova wants to be a member of the EU more than it wants to keep its un-enforcable territorial claim on Transdniestria. Polls in Moldova show that a majority of the population considers EU-membership important, whereas only 4.3% considers "the Transnistria problem" important.

In late April, a Common European Union (EU) Visa Issuing Center was officially inaugurated in Moldova. Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin declared at the opening ceremony: "Today, the European doors and access to free movement are widely opened to the Moldovan citizens. (...) We assume the responsibility that the center works in normal conditions and with the highest efficiency. Moldova will continue in the European direction, which is the national strategy of Moldova’s development until it becomes an EU member state."

Mutually acceptable solution

Russia insists on the search for a mutually acceptable model of a comprehensive and stable political settlement of the seventeen year old territorial conflict between Moldova and Transdniestria, an official at the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

Ambassador Valery Nesterushkin, who represented Russia at a meeting of mediators and observers in the conflict settlement process, urged "the soonest resumption of the negotiating process in the 5+2 format in order to work out with the direct participation of Chisinau and Tiraspol a mutually acceptable model of a comprehensive and stable political settlement."

In 2003, under a proposed deal known as the Kozak Memorandum, Transdniestria agreed to become part of a union with Moldova within a single federal state. Moldova turned down the deal. Since then, Moldova has stepped up the pressure on Transdniestria through a series of moves which have hurt the economy and which Transdniestria considers economic warfare.

Starting in the spring of 2006, the unrecognized country says it is under siege by what it sees as an economic blockade: All exports must first pass inspection by Moldova, despite a 1997 agreement giving Transdniestria the right to free foreign trade. Starting in July of 2007, Moldova has announced that it will further tighten controls by blocking imports as well. Businesses in Transdniestria will not be able to import without passing through Moldovan customs. The situation would be similar to China not allowing Taiwan to import or export except though China, or Cyprus not allowing the Turkish Republic of Cyprus to import or export except through (Southern) Cyprus ports.

Under increasing economic pressure, Transdniestria has now decided that it can no longer be part of a joint state with Moldova. In September of 2006, more than 90% of the population voted against a union state with Moldova and instead voted in favor of independence and closer ties to Russia. Following the independence referendum, the Tiraspol-based parliament rescinded earlier agreements aimed at seeking a union with Moldova. The 2003 "Kozak Memorandum" - which Transdniestria accepted, but which Moldova turned down - is no longer on the table as both sides have radicalized their positions.

A mutually acceptable solution is clouded by ethnic problems, which to a large extent are over now but where a sentiment still lingers. Despite the fact that this subsided, the damage is already done and, as one commentator says, "the mess will be extremely difficult to sort out. The most realistic prospect for Moldova seems to head for the EU and leave Transnistria behind, unfortunately."

This, too, would be a mutually acceptable solution both for the majority of the population in Moldova as well as for the majority of the population in Transdniestria. For historical reasons, and issues related both to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and to the way in which Moldova declared its independence, it would also not create a new precedent in international law: For these reasons, the 'de facto' split of Moldova and Transdniestria presents a sui generis situation whose circumstances are unique and which could not be invoked to claim independence in any other conflicts on the post-Soviet space or, for that matter, elsewhere.

According to its Constitution, which was adopted by nationwide referendum in 1995, the official name of Transdniestria is the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica. This is abbreviated to PMR or shortened to Pridnestrovie in English. (With information from Xinhua)

See also:
» Mixed feelings in Moldova on Transdniester right to independence [1]
» OSCE anticipates partial recognition of Transnistria independence [2]