Political elite in Moldova lacks common viewpoint on opening Russian consulate in Transnistria
The political administration of Moldova shares different views when it comes to opening a Russian consulate in Tiraspol, the so-called capital of the separatist region of Transnistria. Liberal Mihai Ghimpu is fully against of opening such a diplomatic mission.
“There will not be a consulate,” Mr. Ghimpu said. “How could one open a consulate on an uncontrolled territory? This mission will be opened only when we will have full control over it [the territory on the left bank of Nistru River].”
The politician is concerned that in case a staff member of the consulate is killed, he does not know who to blame for such an incident.
Russian Presidential envoy for Transnistria Dmitry Rogozin previously announced that Russia is ready to open a consulate in Tiraspol in order to provide assistance to the Russian citizens residing here.
Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat (coalition fellow with Liberal Mihai Ghimpu) said that a Russian consulate is a good idea and he welcomes such a move.
In the separatist region of Transnistria live some 500,000 people. Nearly 150,000 people hold the Russian citizenship.
Ion Manole, the President of Promo-Lex association – a think tank in Moldova - previously told Moldova.ORG that he welcomes the idea of opening a Russian consulate in Tiraspol if the necessary requirements are obeyed.
“A consulate is designed to educate their citizens to respect the laws within the host state,” Ion Manole said. When the foreign citizens do not obey the rules, the diplomatic staff is the one who has to deal with the issue, being obliged to defend its citizens.”
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