Ukraine says will remain active participant in Transnistria settlement

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine said it "is and will" remain an active participant in the settlement of the Transnistria conflict after the breakaway region’s calls for Russian help against “unprecedented challenges and threats” by Moldova.

“Ukraine is and will remain an active participant in the Transnistrian settlement process and identifies the reintegration of the Republic of Moldova as its main goal,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The enclave has been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s but is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.

Moldova, a candidate to join the EU, imposed new customs duties on Jan. 1 on imports to and exports from Transnistria, which, the region's officials say, harm local residents and businesses.

The ministry called for a “peaceful resolution of economic, social and humanitarian issues between Chisinau and Tiraspol without any destructive external interference.”

Ukraine, the statement said, stands for a peaceful settlement of the conflict with respect for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry said it considered the 5+2 format talks on resolving the conflict to be “non-functional” due to Russia’s presence, which it said cannot act as a peacekeeper in “any peaceful settlement.” The 5+2 format involves Moldova, Transdnistria, Russia, Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and observers from the US and EU.

“We are making and will continue to make every effort to preserve stability and strengthen security in Europe, as well as to prevent any attempts by Russia to destabilize Moldova or other countries in our region,” the press release read.

Earlier on Wednesday, lawmakers at a special congress passed a resolution requesting Russia’s parliament to "protect" Transnistria in the context of "increasing pressure from Moldova."​​​​​​​