Moldova insists on replacing peacekeeping mission in rebel region
The new Moldovan authorities deem it reasonable to turn the peacekeeping mission in the breakaway Dniester region into a civilian mission, but it does not intend to impose its point of view and is ready to discuss this issue at negotiations.
"I want to say that the peacekeeping mission that has been in the Dniester region since 1992 has reached its objectives. Now it is necessary to move to another stage," the Moldovan prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Vlad Filat has said in an interview with Interfax on Oct. 20.
He also said that the mission should be multinational. "It may include representatives of different countries, including Russia and others. Obviously, as it is about a civilian mission, it should not include Russian or NATO servicemen," he said.
"We are not imposing our point of view. This is merely an opinion which should be considered with all the sides involved. It is important to identify a mutually acceptable variant, which should be a step forward," Filat said.
Filat noted that the replacement of the peacekeeping mission is not a new idea.
"You would agree that those who visit the Dniester region and the other part of the Republic of Moldova know that the situation is calm and absolutely normal. At the same time, special checkpoints, soldiers holding guns, camouflage net and concrete blocks on the road do not contribute to bolstering confidence or preserving calmness," he said.
He added that "these unnecessary things are not the best background for negotiations on the conflict's settlement".
Asked about prospects to solve the conflict with the Dniester region, Filat said: "First of all, we have to resume negotiations. The only acceptable format is the five-plus-two one. All the interested sides recognize it and it is possible and we have to work in this format."
"And we will not stay idle, even if there are some impediments to the resumption of normal talks," Filat said.
He noted that "it is necessary to start discussing with people, patch up relations between them, establish ties between doctors, teachers, sportsmen and youths". "We will carry out joint projects and strive for jointly improving living standards," Filat said.
Interfax-Ukraine news agency
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