Igor Dodon: Transnistria will not turn into second Kaliningrad

Newly elected president of Moldova Igor Dodon says he is ready to meet with the future president of the unrecognized Transnistrian republic (presidential election in Transnistria are set for Dec 11) to settle the conflict between Moldova and Transnistria.

“It seems to me that it would be good to show everyone how certain frozen conflicts can be resolved. I think Transnistria could be such example. Therefore, we will be very flexible and open. I am ready to travel to Tiraspol in January to meet with the future president of Transnistria,” Dodon said.

Chisinau plans to settle the Transnistrian conflict within several stages. “At first, it is necessary to agree, bilaterally: we and the left bank. We must feel the principles of political settlement by our own. I already feel them. Gagauzia (an autonomous union in the south of the republic) can become an example. Their laws say if Moldova loses its statehood, they reserve the right to the self-determination. I think, it can be a right decision to Transnistria too,” the Moldovan president said.

The second stage, Dodon says, is to provide Transnistria with the right to self-determination when it comes to joining NATO in case Moldova decides to join the alliance.

“Transnistria needs to understand that it will not turn into a second Kaliningrad. No one will recognize its independence. We have to settle that problem. We will do it and shift to settlement of other problems, including economic and social ones and the debt problem,” Dodon said for conclusion.