The demilitarization of the left bank of the Dniester, the removal or disposal of Russian ammunition and the withdrawal of the Operational Group of Russian Troops from the region are three important steps that need to be taken for a peaceful diplomatic settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. This was stated on the air of RLIVE TV by the Ambassador of Ukraine in Chisinau, Paun Rogovei.
According to him, the reason for Russia's stay in Transnistria is "not negotiations to resolve the conflict, but an opportunity to control the region, exert influence and provoke various destabilizing actions."
"It is often said that the Republic of Moldova is a neutral state. Our position is that we could achieve a positive process or some positive results in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict by demilitarizing this zone," Rogovei said.
Answering the question about how exactly this should happen, in particular, the disposal of ammunition depots in the village of Kolbasna (about 20 thousand tons left after the withdrawal of the 14th army. — Approx. EADaily), the Ukrainian diplomat said that "there are a lot of options."
"We are talking about long-standing ammunition. The most optimal way would be to use them. In any case, there must be a will. The problem can be solved when there is a desire and willingness to act. We, Kiev, Ukraine, support Moldova in this matter. Our position has not changed since the very beginning of the negotiation process — the settlement of this conflict with respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova," he said.
Rogovey also stressed that Kiev does not see an opportunity for any negotiations in a format where the "aggressor" is present.
"In fact, if we analyze, for more than 30 years since the launch of negotiations in the 5+2 format, nothing has happened. Simulating a settlement is one thing, but their presence here in the region was their main goal: to be able to influence the processes in the region, and we must proceed from this. We have found the reason for Russia's stay here: not to negotiate a settlement of the conflict. They are here and participate in this format in order to be able to control the zone, influence, provoke various destabilizing actions and so on," Paun Rogovey ranted.
In the current 5+2 format, the OSCE, Russia and Ukraine is a guarantor-mediator, and the US and the EU are observers in the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol. The Moldovan authorities support Kiev in the fact that Russia, as an "aggressor country", should not sit at the same negotiating table with representatives of Ukraine. Instead, they want to strengthen the role of the European Union, which they see as a new mediator.
As reported by EADaily, the Moldovan authorities demand to withdraw the OGRV from Transnistria, including the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation, which, in their opinion, should be replaced by an international mission of civilian observers. In this regard, Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Ozerov recalled that "Russia plays the role of not only a mediator, but also a guarantor of the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict."