Transnistrian Conflict on December 17–30, 2007

President Vladimir Voronin has revealed plans to visit Moscow on January 22, 2008. According to the chief of state, the Transnistrian problem will be the key topic, though the visit agenda is not ready yet. Knowledgeable sources said that it will depend on the result of Voronin’s visit to Moscow whether 2008 will be the year of settlement of the Transnistrian conflict or the resolution will be deliberately postponed after the March 2008 parliamentary elections in Moldova.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Veselovsky visited Transnistria on December 25 and met there Transnistrian vice-president Alexandr Korolyov. The Ukrainian official stressed that Transnistria is very important for his country because:

There are many Ukrainians in Transnistria;
Ukraine and Transnistria are deeply tightened in terms of economy, as well as of history, culture and common traditions. Ukraine is grateful to the Transnsitrin leadership for supporting Ukrainian projects in the region;
The interaction of Transnistria with afferent Ukrainian regions shall stir up;
The “Five-Plus-Two” negotiations must restart, with Ukraine considering that the conflicting sides should be equal;
The problem regarding the prohibition of vehicles with Transnistrian number plates by Moldovan authorities starting January 1, 2008 shall be settled in the interest of Transnistrian and Ukrainian citizens, and authorities shall not halt the normal work of people.

In his turn, Korolyov stressed the expectations of Transnistrian authorities from Ukraine, in particular:

A solution to the problem of transit of Transnistrian commodities via Ukraine without involvement of Moldovan customs bodies;
A wider presence of Ukraine in the peacekeeping operation in the region.

Later, Transnistrian leader Igor Smirnov has stated that Ukraine will not back Moldova’s initiative to stage the “transport blockade”.

On December 20, the Supreme Soviet passed in the final reading the 2008 budget of the Transnistrian region, but Smirnov threatened to veto some articles. Smirnov does not like the reduction of allocations for some ministries; reduction by 0.8 million dollars of allocations for the customs committee headed by his son. In consequence, a compromise will be required or the Soviet Supreme will have to outlaw the veto.

Under a September 13, 2007 decree by Smirnov, Transnistria will increase the tariffs for public services for population starting January 1, 2007; in particular, electricity tariffs will grow by 11 percent, gas tariffs by 14 percent, and water tariffs by 125 percent. In order to attenuate eventual dissatisfaction of citizens, the Transnistrian media recommends them to compare the expenditures of owners of apartments from Transnistria, Moldova and Ukraine for communal services: 30 dollars; 44 dollars and 56 dollars. The effects of the “economic blockade” by Moldova motivate the price rises. In order to assist Transnistria, the Russian Federation decided to transfer approximately 27 million dollars to the secessionist region, without consulting the constitutional authorities of Moldova.

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Transnistrian Conflict on December 17–30, 2007

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