Expert: Germany has a strong voice in support for Moldova
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to Moldova on August 22 is of a great significance for Moldova. The opinion is expressed by the political analysts who say that Germany’s involvement in the conflict settlement in Transnistria is very important in many ways.
“A key element of the conflict settlement process is the need to make Moldova a more attractive state for the residents of Transnistria. This presupposes that Moldova should
become a consolidated democracy, increase prosperity, achieve free trade and visa-free travel with the EU. This is being achieved through a dynamic EU-Moldova rapprochement, and Germany is absolutely crucial in supporting Moldova on this path,” said Nicu Popescu, senior research fellow and head of European Council on Foreign Relations’ (ECFR) programme on Russia and Wider Europe.
According to the expert, Germany can help Moldova by keeping the Transnistrian issue on the agenda of EU-Russian Federation relations.
“Russia has interests in the region and for most of the last two decades has not been supportive of a sustainable solution to the conflict. Thus German diplomatic support in talks with Russia over conflict settlement in Transnistria is very important in the attempts to bring the conflict closer to a solution,” Nicu Popescu told Moldova.ORG. “Merkel's message in Moldova will be a signal of unprecedented support for the Moldovan government, the country's European integration and the reforms process, as well as attempts to solve the conflict in Transnistria.”
Germany has been a strong supporter of this conflict resolution during the past years. In June 2012, in Germany’s southern town of Rottach-Egern was hosted a private conference with the leadership from Chisinau – the capital of Moldova – and Tiraspol, the so-called capital of the separatist region of Transnistria.
Eugen Carpov, Deputy Prime Minister in charge with of Moldova’s territorial integrity previously stated that no political issues were debated during the meeting. According to him, the talks focused on the relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol.
“During the conference we have concentrated only on the direct dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol and the activity of the working groups,” Mr. Carpov said.
Former EU envoy to Moldova Kalman Mizsei previously told Moldova.ORG that Germany’s involvement in the case is a positive thing.
“Given the weight of Germany in the eyes of the Russians within Europe, this is positive. It is important that the German efforts remain embedded in the European foreign policy framework and I feel that this is the case,” Mr. Mizsei said in an interview. According to him, a stronger international involvement in the issue would have “deeper roots and would be healthier.”
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