Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of . The newsletter is part of the “Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. NEWSLETTER MONTHLY BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2021 NR.2 (180) Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The newsletter is developed by Mădălin Necșuțu, editor-coordinator TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Claus Neukirch, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova: “We are here to help both sides, and the last thing we want to do is to solve the conflict for them” 2. Editorial by Victor Chirilă, executive director of the Foreign Policy Association (APE):“Initiation of negotiations for identifying a comprehensive solution for the Transnistrian conflict, a risky initiative in the current context” 3. Ion Manole, Executive Director of Promo-LEX:“What is coming from the Transnistrian region is false, namely that human rights are respected” 4. Expert Opinion. Mihai Isac: “How the pandemic was used to strengthen political and military control on the left bank of the ”

News in Brief On February 27th, delivered to the The Transnistrian case, frozen (also) Republic of Moldova the first batch of vaccine against COVID-19 in the amount of 21,600 doses. “Romania keeps its promise made by President Iohannis to the Republic of Moldova. Today we are by the coronavirus pandemic delivering the first doses of vaccine, 21,600 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine. The rest will follow in the coming months”, said Florin Citu in a clip posted on his Facebook account. President thanked Romania for the humanitarian gesture. “This is the first tranche of the 200,000 doses of vaccine from the generous donation promised by Romania to the citizens of our country. Thank you, Romania! Thank you, !”, wrote Maia Sandu on her Facebook account. On February 24th, the Romanian government adopted an emergency ordinance by which Romania could send the first tranche as a donation to the Republic of Moldova of the 200,000 doses of vaccine promised in December 2020 by President Klaus Iohannis. The European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič thanked Romania for sending the 21,600 doses of vaccine to Chisinau.

The Constitutional Court declared as unconstitutional, on February 23rd, the decree of President Maia Sandu regarding the repeated appointment of Natalia Gavrilita’s candidacy for the position of Prime Minister. The judges of the Court requested that the President and the parliamentary factions resume consultations on the appointment of a Prime Minister. On the other hand, the Court refused to examine the request submitted by the Socialist deputies regarding Maia Sandu’s refusal to appoint Mariana Durleșteanu as Prime Minister. The Socialists claimed that Maia Sandu had violated the constitutional Mădălin Necșuțu “Berlin Package” and the Moreover, the political provisions. On February 11th, the Parliament did not support Natalia Gavrilita’s candidacy for prime minister, freedom of movement interests in the run- and the same day, the Socialists, the deputies of the Shor The negotiations in between the two banks up to the presidential Party and a group of deputies that had broken from the Democratic Party faction signed in favour of Mariana the Transnistrian case of the Dniester. elections last autumn Durleșteanu’s candidacy. However, Maia Sandu has repeatedly appointed Natalia Gavrilita, and the Socialists have been delayed in have further complicated have challenged the decree at the Constitutional Court. the last year since the Tiraspol’s decision to the matters. In the eyes On February 28th, the President of the beginning of the health install about 37 temporary of the public opinion European Council, Charles Michel, stated during his visit to Chisinau that the EU crisis caused by the checkpoints under the in Chisinau, there has supports the fight against corruption in the Republic coronavirus pandemic. of Moldova and the political class that promotes such pretext of the pandemic been created the image actions. “I am sending a clear message of support from Moreover, at times, has obstructed workers’ of new arrangements the European Union to President Sandu’s firm focus on reforms, strengthening the rule of law and the fight the situation became access to jobs and, in on this sensitive issue against corruption,” the European official said. He added tense, after the parties that in the last ten years, the EU has provided grants some cases, access to from the perspective of worth more than one billion euros and more than a accused each other of health care and supplies narrow interests dictated thousand projects have been implemented across the country. “We have also discussed the prospect of early violating the provisions for localities in and around by electoral reasons. elections as the best chance to build a Parliament ready to support the president’s reforms. We expect all political agreed under the the Security Zone. actors to act in the interest of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova”, concluded Charles Michel. Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 2 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The visit of the OSCE Special Representative for the We are here to help both sides, Transnistrian settlement process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, on 21-23 January 2021, and then and the last thing we want to do of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, is to solve the conflict for them were two important events in the Claus Neukirch, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova attempt to de-escalate the situation created by the pandemic.

The OSCE officials visited both banks of the Dniester and met with the parties. Ann Linde called on Chisinau and Tiraspol to fully and consistently implement the “Berlin-plus” package. The Swedish diplomat also said that “the development of additional joint proposals in the spirit of confidence- building is essential for building a solid basis for further advancing the regulatory process”.

However, respect for human rights and the freedom of expression and action of the press has again laus Neukirch is a carrier will is needed from both Chisinau and suffered after two Moldovan Cdiplomat and has over 20 years of Tiraspol to reach a consensus. To find journalists, Viorica Tataru and professional experience with the OSCE. out more about the state of affairs of Andrei Captarenco, were detained An important part of his experience the Transnistrian issue, we are inviting for several hours by the Russian with the organisation is linked with you to read the interview: and Transnistrian soldiers of the Moldova, where he has previously th peacekeeping mission from the worked as Deputy Head of the OSCE March 2 marks the 29 anniversary checkpoint in Gura Bâcului. Mission to Moldova (2008-2011), of the armed conflict outbreak on Mission’s Spokesperson (2003-2008) the Dniester River. However, Chisinau This episode has brought back and Human Dimension Officer (1996- and Tiraspol are still far away from a into discussion the role of the 1997). And since September 2018 Mr political solution. Why is that, in your Neukirch has been the Head of the opinion? peacekeeping mission and the extent OSCE Mission to Moldova. Due to to which they can act, according to his rich experience in Moldova, Mr First of all, allow me to thank you the obligations agreed by Chisinau Neukirch has a good insight into the for giving me the possibility to have an and Tiraspol. Thus, the pandemic issues of the country, especially into interview. I really value the Friedrich did not help at all a constructive the Transnistrian settlement. I have Ebert Foundation, and it is a pleasure to dialogue, moreover it can be stated discussed with Mr Neukirch about contribute to the newsletter. that it has further strained the the current state of the Transnistrian relations and trust on the Chisinau- issue and the main challenges of the The Transnistrian issue is not the only Tiraspol axis. Transnistrian settlement process, issue that we have in the world where as well as about the recent visit to solutions are frozen. I wouldn’t say In general, 2020 has been a year Moldova of the OSCE Chairperson- this is a frozen conflict, but we have a of stagnation in terms of dialogue in-Office and Minister of Foreign frozen solution. The reasons for this is between the parties, and at least in Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde. Mr. Claus something we can go into details and the first part of the current year, the Neukirch has stressed in our interview analyse, but I would rather like to leave prospects for further talks are in the that the OSCE is fully open to help it for the political scientists and others best case in the background. resolve the conflict, however, political to do it.

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 3 From our perspective, we are looking the Tirana Ministerial statement on the Human rights are very important for forward to how we can go towards a Transnistrian settlement process. She an organisation like the OSCE, which political settlement. Frankly speaking, at combined this with the call on both is based on a comprehensive security this stage, we are on a different part of sides to work in this direction. We concept that looks into the politico- that journey. need to start concrete work now if we military, economic and environmental, really want to get to a result in the 5+2 and the human dimensions. We try to create preconditions to move meeting. towards political discussions on the final During the pandemic, the regime settlement of the Transnistrian issue, What were the sensitive topics that in Tiraspol has unilaterally installed a which will strengthen the independence Mrs Ann Linde has discussed with series of new checkpoints, motivating and the territorial integrity of the Chisinau and Tiraspol? Could you this move with traffic restrictions Republic of Moldova and would provide please point out some of these? And during the pandemic. How do you for a special status for what was the main focus of these assess this move? within Moldova’s internationally discussions? recognised borders- a status that at This is something that we have the same time takes into account The main focus of these discussions, followed very closely. During the human rights, political rights, and socio- if you are on the level of a Foreign pandemic, we had our teams economic rights of the population in Minister, is on the strategic lines and permanently present in the Security Transnistria. not on digging down into details. For Zone to see how freedom of this, we have the joint expert working movement is affected, what issues this Important visit on the both groups, the two Chief Negotiators, and causes for people. We had a particular banks of the Dniester River to a certain extent, we may touch upon focus on the area around Cocieri and some of them in the 5+2 process. Moldova Noua villages. The current President of the OSCE, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mrs Ann Linde has pointed out the We are now in a situation in where Sweden, Ann Linde, has discussed need for progress and also wanted these additional posts have been recently during her visit to Moldova to know where people would see removed while the ordinary ones are with Chisinau and Tiraspol’s possibilities for that. There have still there. Freedom of movement in representatives. I would ask you, been discussed issues related to the some areas have been eased, but the please, to point out the main topics pandemic, freedom of movement, freedom of movement restrictions on Mrs Linde’s agenda, especially the human rights. She has stressed that introduced with reference to the promises of resolution that have been human rights are very high on the pandemic as such are still in place. made on sensitive topics. OSCE Swedish Chairpersonship’s You have, for instance, still to have priorities. a clearance from the Transnistrian We had an early visit this year by side to leave or enter the region. This the Chairperson-in-Office, and we had Respect for is something where we have a a similar situation in 2019 with OSCE human rights continuous dialogue with the Chairperson-in-Office and Slovakia’s Transdniestrian side because we want Minister of Foreign and European What can you tell us about respect to get back to the situation before the Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák. I think this is, for human rights in the Transnistrian pandemic. Back then, we had better first of all, for the Chairperson-in-Office, region? What has the OSCE done possibilities for people to cross, also in this case, Ann Linde, a chance to get on the Dniester River’s left bank for for the people on the left bank to work a first impression on the situation here human rights to be respected? on the right bank. There are many on these topics. That was one of the people who do this. important ideas of this visit. The second We have had a dialogue on human was also to underline it is a priority for rights with the Transnistrian side, And it is very important to get back the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship to including in my conversations with the to strengthening interconnectivity work on the Transnistrian settlement. Transnistrian leader, for a long time. If between both sides. This is the we see a human right issue, we take main issue and also the one which The Chairperson emphasised during it up directly with them and try to makes a big difference between the visit that Sweden would be ready find solutions and help improve the the Transnistrian situation and the to host a result-oriented 5+2 meeting protection of human rights on the left situation we have in the larger region. in Stockholm this year as we have in bank.

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 4Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The high interaction between those The solution has to come from to work. We haven’t had any serious banks and people going back and forth society and be backed up by a discussions on the status issue for almost is very important, and we want to make broad consensus” 20 years and that is a very long time. sure this continues. I don’t want to give you a timeframe, but I can’t get around this question. In parallel, to remove some of these I would like to underline that everything Recently, the former Ambassador of checkpoints, Tiraspol has conducted we do from our side in this mediation Moldova to Brussels and Bucharest, economic negotiations with Chisinau. process is to come to a situation that Mihai Gribincea, has demanded the How can this restriction of freedom allows for this discussion to start. We shutting down of the OSCE mission in of movement be imposed and then have to make sure that everything Moldova. He argued that the OSCE’s negotiated for economic benefits? How we agree in the meantime on the efforts have been weak and even biased do you assess that? confidence-building and other issues in favour of Tiraspol. How do you assess takes into account what we would like to the OSCE’s work in resolving the conflict I am not aware of any negotiations achieve at the end of the day. so far? for economic benefits. As far as we are concerned, we have always argued This is what the Mission’s mandate is - I am certainly not going to comment with the Transnistrian side on freedom to facilitate comprehensive and lasting on these remarks. I think there is of movement based on the principle settlement of the Transnistrian issue, something important to understand for of freedom of movement and on the which strengthens the sovereignty everyone. The OSCE has established overall pandemic situation, which, as and independence of the Republic of a Mission here to facilitate the far as I understand, the WHO, at this Moldova and provides for a special negotiations between both sides to stage, will not justify as a ground for status for Transnistria within Moldova’s come to a settlement. It is not the OSCE any freedom of movement restriction internationally recognised borders, a who has to resolve the conflict, but it between the right and the left bank. status that fully guarantees the human, will be those involved in this situation political, economic and social rights of its who have to come to an agreement on Recently, two fellow journalists, population. the conflict. This is where we have to Viorica Tataru and Andrei Captarenco, continue to have our focus on. were detained for several hours by the This is what we always have to take into peacekeeping mission. How do you see account, and this is our fix-point in which We are here to help both sides, but the the peacekeepers’ gesture of retaining direction we have to work. last thing we want to do is to solve the journalists while doing their job? conflict for them. The solution has to If you were to compare the conflicts come from society, it has to be backed This is really an unfortunate in the Black Sea region, how would up by a broad consensus. incident. We were not there when this you assess the Transnistrian conflict happened, so we don’t have all the settlement in comparison with what It would be best if you looked at this and details. Obviously, media freedom and is happening in , Georgia, not on the assessment of whether the the possibility to report freely is very Azerbaijan and Armenia? mediator has solved the conflict. This is important. not even what we are here for. We are There is a famous quote from Lev here to help. There are also discussions within the Tolstoi’s Anna Karenina saying, “all happy JCC (Joint Control Commission) in families are the same, and all unhappy order to see how the procedures which Political negotiations: the core families are unhappy in their own way.” are in place at the moment at these of the solution checkpoints can be improved. Our mandate here is to work on the Is there a chance in the near future Transnistrian settlement process, and As you know, there are signs that say to discuss the political basket of the this is what we are concentrating on. We you can’t take footage of these posts, issue or the situation will be maintained have to find solutions that work here which was, as far as I understood, the in which Tiraspol always avoids these and hence to focus on what is happening basis for the entire incident. I think we negotiations? What is the situation in here. would need to come up with a solution this regard? to prevent incidents like this in the Thank you for this interview! future. As I said in the beginning, this is the goal and the direction in which we have Mădălin Necșuțu

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 5 Editorial Initiation of negotiations for identifying a comprehensive solution for the Transnistrian conflict, a risky initiative in the current context

n the opinion of Mr. Aurel Ciocoi, Despite the fact that some current IActing Prime Minister and Minister political forces in the parliament of Foreign Affairs and European ignore or challenge it, the Law of the Integration, the Republic of Moldova Parliament of 22.07.2005 on the basic would like to “start the dialogue on provisions of the special legal status political and security issues, with of the localities on the left bank of the identification of a comprehensive Dniester (Transnistria) is still in force and solution.” “We should start the clearly defines the legal and political negotiations for a political solution to boundaries of the negotiation process the Transnistrian settlement process. that our officials and politicians are In this regard, the Republic of Moldova obliged to respect. relies fully on the OSCE support”, said Unfortunately, none of the conditions the senior Moldovan official during mentioned in the above law has been his meeting on February 17th with met so far. Ann Linde, OSCE Chairperson-in- Office and Swedish Foreign Minister, Pandemic deadlock who was on an information visit to Victor Chirilă, Executive Director of Chisinau. From my point of view, Mr. Also the internal context in the Republic the Foreign Policy Association (APE) Ciocoi’s statement is risky, ignores the of Moldova is not at all favourable legislation in force and does not take for initiating negotiations in order to into account the current internal and external context of our identify a comprehensive political solution to the conflict country. in Transnistria. The Republic of Moldova is going through a deep political, economic and social crisis exacerbated by the Thus, according to Art. 1 (1) of the Law no. LP173/ 2005 of COVID-19 pandemic. 22.07.2005 on the basic provisions of the special legal status of the localities on the left bank of the Dniester (Transnistria), The current political class has never been that divided and in order to achieve the reintegration policy of the Republic lacks clear vision/ strategy for resolving the conflict, the of Moldova, “the negotiation process with Transnistria is Parliament is discredited by corruption and obscure interests, carried out to achieve democratization and demilitarization of the political struggle between Parliament and Presidency is Transnistria”. intensifying, the reforms are stagnating, the rule of law is undermined by corruption and lack of independent justice, Only after fulfilling the conditions regarding demilitarization, the institutions responsible for national security are weak stipulated in the Parliament Decision no. 117-XVI of 10 June and unable to cope with hybrid internal and external threats, 2005, in particular on the “fulfilment by the Russian Federation and the country’s economic and social situation is constantly of the obligations assumed at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul deteriorating. (1999) on the full, urgent and transparent evacuation of troops and armament from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, The start of negotiations in these conditions will certainly and after the formation, in Transnistria, of a democratically disadvantage the Republic of Moldova, offering multiple elected system of power”, would the negotiation process take opportunities and means to manipulate, put pressure and place to jointly develop and adopt the Organic Law of the undermine our positions at the negotiating table. Republic of Moldova on the special legal status of Transnistria.

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 6 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The external context is not favouring us either. The European negotiations. This effort would involve the following actions: Union’s efforts to work with the Russian Federation in the 1) overcoming the pandemic, economic and political crisis; Eastern neighbourhood have failed. The geopolitical competition 2) strengthening the rule of law and recovery of the political between East and West is intensifying, and after the recent visit class; 3) fighting corruption and strengthening institutions to Moscow of Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign ensuring public order and national security; 4) elaboration Affairs and Security Policy, we are witnessing a significant and approval in the Moldovan Parliament of a country cooling of the political dialogue between Russia and the EU, for reintegration strategy supported by the main political forces; some time and with unpredictable consequences. 5) launching concrete diplomatic actions to persuade the Russian Federation to withdraw its illegally stationed military Increasingly concerned about its stability and continuity after troops in the Transnistrian region and replace the current 2024, Putin’s regime is becoming more and more authoritarian “peacekeeping mission” with an international UN-mandated inside the country and, volens-nolens, increasingly recalcitrant civilian observer mission to facilitate the implementation of and less willing to compromise abroad, especially in the confidence-building measures; joint projects between the EU’s common neighbourhood. In Ukraine, Russia is delaying two banks of the Dniester; 6) implementation of confidence- the implementation of its commitments under the Minsk building measures with a focus on advancing/ respecting/ agreements in Belarus. The Kremlin opposes the democratic protecting human rights in the Transnistrian region; 7) change of the Lukashenko regime, and in the Republic of extension of the joint control at the Moldovan-Ukrainian Moldova, Moscow categorically refuses to transform its alleged border on the Transnistrian segment; 8) combating smuggling “peacekeeping mission” into an international-mandated civilian schemes/ networks across the Transnistrian region; 9) observer mission, and withdraw its troops stationed illegally in development/ facilitation of trade and economic ties of the the Transnistrian region in compliance with its commitments of Transnistrian region with the rest of the country and the EU the 1999 OSCE Summit in Istanbul. in close correlation with compliance with the commitments What to do? made by the Tiraspol administration and unconditional assurance of free movement of Moldovan citizens on both In the current context, the Republic of Moldova should, banks of the Dniester. first of all, focus on consolidating its positions at the future

What is coming from the Transnistrian region is false, namely that human rights are respected Ion Manole, executive director of Promo-LEX

espect for human rights is one of the most Rpressing issues in the Transnistrian secessionist region, and it was this topic that I have discussed together with the executive director of the Promo- LEX, one of the most vocal non-governmental organizations in the area of human rights in Moldova. We wanted to find out about the sources maintaining this state of affairs in Transnistria and who the actors and victims in such cases are. Read about all this, in detail, in the following interview:

How do you see in general the respect for human rights in Transnistria over the last almost three decades? Has the situation in this regard improved or on the contrary, worsened?

We cannot talk about human rights in this territory. At the moment my conclusion is that since control

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 7 has been taken over this territory, I the fact that the citizens of this region expression and other fundamental human have seen virtually no interest from also have political, economic and cultural rights and freedoms. These were actually the constitutional authorities in the rights. These rights are vehemently denied, involuntarily assumed also by the Tiraspol region. We can also start from the neglected and violated. regime in 1992, right after the war. I am premise that the authorities did not referring here to the European Convention have the competence or experience of Those who talk about political rights are on Human Rights. Back then in 1992, even administering a state and many mistakes immediately categorized as enemies of without being a recognized state, they were made just from the beginning, from the Transnistrian statehood, enemies of said they would assume these obligations 1991-1992. the Russian Federation, foreign agents or voluntarily and respect them. Such a Western secret services’ agents, which is practice also existed during the Soviet In addition, the international community an aberration but also a very effective tool period: the constitution was pretty good, was being manipulated. Then, the of manipulation. liberal, but in reality, things were the other Russian Federation inherited from the way around. Soviet Union all the embassies and all Unfortunately, many of these elements the media instruments through which can also be found in Chisinau. Here, Persecution of activists it communicated to the international however, we have more freedom, an public opinion only its opinion, thus efficient mass media and especially an We see a lot of critical activists, Chisinau lost the information war from investigative media. We have people especially young people, and I am the very beginning. The interest of the talking, writing about acts of corruption, referring here to those who act within international community was low, while the political situation, the political struggle the Club 19, who are threatened and the constitutional authorities were not between various clans, and even about the detained, and who are even fleeing to able, on the one hand, to inform the geopolitical games in which the Russian other countries (the Calic case). Why do international community about the true Federation is a very active and efficient such situations happen? state of affairs there. On the other hand, actor. it was not able to organize itself in such a It is not a new phenomenon. We have way as to be able to guarantee and defend Similar practices known about it since 2007, when we human rights in that territory. organized a forum for NGOs on the left How similar in your opinion are the bank of the Dniester with the participation Moreover, after 30 years I can say that regimes in Tiraspol and Moscow in terms of non-governmental organizations from we have the same very low level of of respect for human rights? both banks of the Dniester, donors, interest in the human rights situation in partners for civil society, development the Transnistrian region. The authorities For the most part, the legislation in the agencies of various international partners. still do not show interest in identifying Transnistrian region is adapted to that At that time there was a great openness solutions and monitoring tools. If you do of the Russian Federation. At the same on the part of the partners for the NGOs not monitor you have no way of knowing time, we have to remember that the there. the real situation. And if you don’t know training courses for judges, prosecutors, the real situation, you can’t come up with and other people holding positions in the Soon, however, the Tiraspol regime has recommendations and correct certain administration of the region, all take place realized that the freedom for our activity things that have a positive impact on the in the Russian Federation. The practices in that area (in addition to the litigation human rights situation. applied in the Transnistrian region follow that bothered them) is a great danger When we talk about respect for human the Russian model. for them on this dimension. Thus, soon rights in this territory, we can tell it point- after the forum, we were informed by blank that these rights are violated and And we have seen this in the struggle of the participants in our events that they cannot be considered as respected. The Tiraspol with the press, with the people were visited by the secret services of the human rights are not even promoted in the who think freely in this region, the people Tiraspol regime or were invited to their Transnistrian region. who want to express their position. We headquarters. There they were threatened remember very well that there are already and told that the Promo-LEX is a foreign For the most part, the representatives cases and convictions. agent fighting against the Transnistrian of the regime there, through the tools at statehood, and those who collaborate or their disposal, have limited themselves People are condemned because they participate in the Promo-LEX activities may to the social rights of the residents when have an opinion of their own on the have problems as well as their families. they talk about human rights. Specifically, performance and role of the peacekeeping this is about the right to rest, work, and forces or they have a critical position People came to us for help and advice education. However, it is avoiding taking towards the pretend president there. So all on how to deal with such threats, but into account, and especially promoting these are, in fact, restrictions of freedom of unfortunately, I have noticed back then

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 8 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates the lack of defense of these people- if dealing with the human rights in the phenomena and cases. We have known someone had been arrested, they might Transnistrian region. Stepan for a long time and I am surprised have faced real problems. We promised that he has so much energy and will to people that we would do everything in The Apriori was one of the few withstand such pressures for decades. our power to defend their rights in our organizations that resisted. They were capacity as NGO. always very competent, calculated and Yes, I trust what he says when he refers all discussions with them have ended up to the situation as being catastrophic. We will notify and protest peacefully with confusing the administrative system Such statements were made in the past in front of state institutions or of the region that did not know how to by other human rights defenders in the international organizations, but at the proceed in the case of the Apriori. Transnistrian region. I remember Mr. same time, I told them that there is no Bucheatsky, who, at an international structure at national or international The Tiraspol regime differs from the event, said that “Transnistria should be level that would guarantee their release Moscow regime not only in the fact forced to respect human rights.” This has and respect for their rights if the regime that they are unrecognized, but also in greatly disturbed the Tiraspol regime. there created problems. the way they operate. The people from These statements have aroused anger, Tiraspol operate using soft methods: being attacked very harshly in the local In these situations, I told them that “it’s discussions, threats or constraints. They press. Later, however, he stopped being up to you to decide if you are ready cannot afford to apply harsher methods, visible in the public space, retiring rather and able to withstand pressure, then because they are trying to avoid any in his activity as a local journalist who, in we will help you to collaborate.” When scandal and problem that would attract fact, is no longer criticizing the regime. we arrived in the Transnistrian region, the attention of the international He has realised the risks he is taking we quickly understood that without a community. by making such courageous and true competent and active local civil society statements that have no effects. The as we have on the right bank, we in In this way, the Apriori has resisted press is writing about it, pointing to it as a Chisinau will not be able to solve their for quite a long time. However, it was phenomenon, but no one is taking action. problems there. And that’s why we tried obvious that Tiraspol was very disturbed to help them. But as I said, the regime by their activity. They were concerned The constitutional authorities do nothing was faster than the civic groups there that people talk freely, that they ask about the impunity on the left bank and a lot of them left starting from 2007. questions and look for answers, not just of the Dniester. All those violating the We have good colleagues, professionals, the ones they hear on the TV. human rights and acting up can move on active people who could have certainly the constitutional territory of Moldova been useful to their communities, Thus, the Tiraspol regime has tried to without any problem. but today some of them are acting as prevent the activity of these people lawyers in the Russian Federation or are and this organization. However, we So we see inaction on the part of the activists in Ukraine, while others have must understand that the people who Moldovan authorities in this regard, abandoned this field and emigrated to worked for the Apriori were just a few. which not only do not sanction what Europe. Moreover, they are also human and happens there, but also when such have feelings for their relatives or loved people who break the law come to The same is true of the few non- ones who are intimidated. This could not Chisinau, they do so without any governmental organizations as in the go on indefinitely. They have reached constraint. case of the Apriori. What do you think a point where they feel exhausted, about the harassment of civil society give in, understanding there are no Yes, we have been saying this since and specifically of this NGO? guarantees for them either nationally or 2004. The problem is in Chisinau, not internationally. in Tiraspol or Moscow. Chisinau proved The security in the Transnistrian region to be indifferent, incompetent or even has had a tactic persecuting the NGOs Lack of sanctions corrupt and the media investigations that dared to operate in the political, have fully shown this. And then the lack economic or especially human rights The lawyer Stepan Popovski, a human of cases, investigations and notifications sector. On the other hand, we know rights’ defender in Tiraspol, has said by the competent state structures leads that there were some agreements. The recently that “the human rights situation you to the conclusion that nothing NGOs were either recommended to in Transnistria is catastrophic.” Do you is accidental in this game and in this migrate to the social or humanitarian agree with this statement? great puzzle. So, it is very clear that the sector and then there was no problem Chisinau authorities have no interest, as in terms of funds they could raise. Yes, he is one of the people who well as other major actors involved in this This has discouraged the organizations sees, feels, and learns every day about regulation process.

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 9 So, they are comfortable and happy with to visit the prisons on serious cases the Promo-LEX being threatened, the the current situation, while everyone of abuse notified by the relatives of international institutions prefer to realizes that human rights can be the the detainees there, they did not remain silent, when they could apply the impetus that can change the situation in intervene citing various reasons. The principle of defending the human rights this region. That is why the authorities main argument was that there is a defenders. This principle obliges the EU, prefer to turn a blind eye and ignore the relationship between Chisinau and the Council of Europe, the UN, but also human rights situation there. No one Tiraspol and this is the format for the OSCE to intervene when lawyers, insists or even listens to our insistence resolving such situations. human rights defenders or journalists on monitoring the situation there. become victims of human rights’ violators However, Chisinau and Tiraspol have due to their professional activities. Even the latest case of detention of always contradictory statements, both journalists Viorica Tătaru and Andrei standing firm on their inflexible position, Perhaps the international institutions Captarenco demonstrates once again with a ping-pong at the level of political should intervene so that the Tiraspol the behavior of the police and of the statements. This makes people suffering, regime closes those cases. We did not Unified Control Commission (CUC) and while impunity feels at home on the left even have access to the documents of how well this situation was manipulated bank of the Dniester. this file. The people from Tiraspol said it by the Tiraspol. was a secret file and we have to present Possible solutions ourselves there. This is further proof that Chisinau does not want to get involved in changing the What could be in your opinion the On the one hand, we are accused and we situation in this regard. solutions for the human rights to do not know why, and on the other hand, be respected on the left bank of the the documents are secret and we do not I would like to talk also about the Dniester? have access to them, because we have to external actors. What can the show up there. At the same time, we are international institutions do more to A good tool we could return to is told that we cannot come, and if we do, ensure protection of human rights in the the list of people sanctioned by the we will be arrested. In this situation, we Transnistrian region? EU. People who violated human rights decided not to play this game. Our goal on the left bank of the Dniester were is not to look for publicity, to play victims Until 2004, the OSCE played an active included in an EU list banning them or to provoke conflicts or a situation in role in monitoring the human rights from traveling in the EU. Every year on which our colleagues could be detained situation. There were monitoring March 2nd (the date of the outbreak and sent to prison. Our goal is to defend visits and the OSCE used to produce of the Transnistrian conflict in 1992), the human rights. And we have tried reports on the situation. Even the OSCE we launch the list of people who are to defend our rights according to local representatives said at the time that guilty of human rights violations in procedures, but received no response. what was happening on the left bank of the Transnistrian region based on the Our conclusion is that their only purpose the Dniester was a cultural genocide. decisions of the European Court of was to keep us out. Human Rights (ECHR). After 2004 we saw a radical change They do not want the presence in the of behaviour. We do not know why, There are currently many judgments region of people who think freely and probably also because of the failure of - about 30 in 50 ECHR cases - which spread such values ​​among the population the Russian Federation to withdraw its remain largely unenforced, being a there. Moreover, they do not want new troops from the region according to the challenge for the ECHR and the Council cases of this kind. In the last six years, 1999 Istanbul memorandum. of Europe as well, because such a large except for the Apriori and a few others, number of unenforced judgments is a this reality has come to light. Therefore, Thus, this change was probably dictated serious problem. It is a challenge that we do not have cases of human rights and this is unfortunate. In this case, has to make us all understand that the violations, which sends a false message even if we have OSCE offices in Tighina situation is becoming quite complicated that human rights are respected in this and Tiraspol, they have practically no and things need to be conditioned. region. However, we know that there are relevance or impact. Tahy don’t inform no human rights violations in North Korea the public about the human rights In particular, any funding of the either, which is an illusion again. situation there. Transnistrian region should be conditional on respect for human rights, freedom of Thanks for the interview! Nobody is monitoring or intervening expression for journalists, diplomats, but when certain tense situations occur. In also lawyers and human rights defenders. Mădălin Necșuțu several cases when I asked the OSCE We regret that, almost six years after

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 10 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates Expert opinion How the pandemic was used to strengthen political and military control on the left bank of the Dniester

he health crisis caused by the coronavirus was also an opportunity for one of Tthe parties in the Transnistrian case. The Tiraspol regime took full advantage of the pandemic situation to strengthen its control over the Transnistrian region. The beginning of the 2020 pandemic crisis was an opportunity for Tiraspol to set up illegal checkpoints, which has caused problems to both the Transnistrian residents and the communities on the left bank of the Dniester under Chisinau’s jurisdiction.

Mihai Isac, journalist at Karadeniz Press and political expert

Announcements such as the one made in July process, strengthening the economic ties, 2020 by the former Deputy Prime Minister for maintaining the principles of the Russian World reintegration, Cristina Lesnic, show this modus that Transnistria is an inseparable part of,” operandi of Tiraspol. “I would like to inform you Krasnoselski said during a visit to Moscow in that we have managed to obtain the closure of a December 2020. part of the check points installed by Transnistria to curb Transnistrian actions being sabotaged by in the Security Zone without coordinating it In exchange, former President the Dodon administration. with the participants in the negotiation process. relied on the massive electoral support of the Currently, 22 of the 37 check points installed Tiraspol administration, aiming at repeating Also in 2021 the Socialists are trying to turn remain in Tiraspol”, Lesnic declared. the success of the 2016 presidential elections. the Transnistrian vote into a political weapon At the time, the turnout on the left bank of the for eventual early parliamentary elections. The The situation had become so tense between Dniester tipped the electoral balance in favour status of the on the territory the residents of those localities and the of candidate Dodon, who had promised to of the Republic of Moldova is a new socialist Transnistrian border police that Lesnic has improve relations with the Russian Federation. approach to capture the support of the pro- appealed then for calm so that the situation Russian electorate in the Republic of Moldova, would not return to that from “28 years ago, Only the massive turnout of the Moldovan including Transnistria and Gagauzia. when the armed conflict took place”. diaspora in the EU has partially foiled the transportation strategy organized by the pro- Unfortunately, the episodes of the Moldovan Party political Dodon voters. Before the November 2020 citizens’ kidnappings, even in the summer of interests above all elections, Dodon had made considerable 2020, by the security structures in Tiraspol concessions to the Transnistrian leader, have become a constant in Moldova’s life. The

especially image-wise, when he named Moldovan constitutional authorities have failed The year 2020 was characterized also by the Krasnoselski “president” for the first time, to stop the wave of Transnistrian abuses. political collaboration between the Socialist during a visit by the Tiraspol leader to Dodon’s Party, led by former President Igor Dodon, and presidential residence in Condrita at the end of the Tiraspol authorities. The absolute control July 2020. Complicated bilateral agenda exercised by the socialists in the Moldovan Chisinau has been trying to solve several politics has favoured the consolidation of the During his presidency, Dodon has met Vadim unsettled cases for years. These include the Tiraspol regime and its collaboration with Krasnoselski eight times. In addition, Dodon presence of Russian troops, the issue of schools Moscow. had frequent talks with Krasnoselski on the teaching in Romanian, the issue of agricultural phone. The last meeting of the two took place land, respect for human rights, free movement, “The exchange of views, the possibility of a in July 2020, at the Condrita residence. Dodon etc. The Transnistrian agenda consists of dozens direct dialogue - all this allows us to make mentioned then that the implementation of of complicated issues that remain unresolved. the Transnistrian position on current issues the “Berlin-Plus” package had been examined These are the problems faced by the Romanian- known: the fight against the COVID-19 in details. This footwork has been to the language schools, the problem of cultivating pandemic, the defense of the peacekeeping disadvantage of the Moldovan side, any effort mission, the need to resume the negotiation the agricultural land across the Râbnița-Tiraspol

Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180), February 2021 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] FEBRUARY 2021 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 11 highway, the presence of Russian occupation GOTR has distinguished itself by participating a civilian one under the auspices of the OSCE. troops, the joint military applications between in joint manoeuvres with separatist forces and Maia Sandu’s position is supported by the the Russian and Transnistrian troops, free massive recruitment of personnel from among pro-European political forces in the Moldovan movement of citizens, respect for human rights the Moldovan population in the Transnistrian parliament. and others. All these remain means of exerting region, in violation of the international law. great pressure by Tiraspol on the citizens of the Approximately 1,500-1,700 Russian soldiers Instead, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press Republic of Moldova. are active in the GOTR, the absolute majority secretary, has condemned Maia Sandu’s being Russian citizens, originating from the statement on the case, calling it a potential The former Dodon administration has Republic of Moldova. The massive recruitment danger. According to Peskov, Russia is carrying constantly avoided any attempt to initiate of locals was Russia’s response to pressure from a heavy burden and is ready to continue political negotiations to resolve the Transnistrian Chisinau and Kiev on the rotation of troops in doing it and take a responsible position on the dispute. The ambiguous position of the socialist recent years. international arena. leader was mirrored by the statement made 29 years after the beginning of the Dniester War. Unfortunately, a career in the Russian army “Maia Sandu came, became the president The PSRM leader Igor Dodon expressed his is an attractive prospect for the Transnistrian of the Republic of Moldova and made this gratitude for the Russian peacekeeping mission residents who are in an advanced degree of first statement - as if there were no other that “has been providing peace and tranquillity impoverishment. problems in Moldova - that it is necessary to on the banks of the Dniester for about 30 years.” withdraw the Russian peacekeeping forces The Chisinau media regularly mentions that from Transnistria. Is there a potential danger in The military fortress on the left these actions run counter to the 1992 Ceasefire this step? Yes, and a very big one. And there are Agreement. Article 4 of this Agreement clearly so many other such hot spots... And, of course, bank of the Dniester states that these military forces shall have a this imposes a special burden on big states like neutral position towards the parties to the Russia, but Russia, thank God, is able to carry Unfortunately, we cannot talk of a mediator in conflict. that burden and take a responsible position”, the case of Russia regarding the Transnistrian said Peskov in an interview with the Soloviev case and the settlement of the Chisinau- “Our soldiers actively participate in the events Live show. Tiraspol dispute. The political control exercised organized by the Transnistrian leadership, by the Russian side in Tiraspol is doubled especially military parades, ceremonies In one of the latest attacks on Maia Sandu, by the control exercised by the Russian and dedicated to important historical events. the Russian Foreign Office thinks she has an Transnistrian military forces. For example, every year on May 9th, Victory “ambiguous” approach in building relations Day, GOTR staff organizes festive events in with Russia, reproaching her that although Moscow has furiously condemned any the military city. Our soldiers and officers are she says she wants good relations with Russia, Moldovan attempt to replace the current actively involved in the sports and cultural life she makes “harsh statements” regarding format with an international mission. The of the city, in the patriotic education of young Transnistria and does not accept Transnistria’s head of the Russian Troops Operational Group people, being ready, if necessary, to provide debt for the Russian gas. The latter, by the way, (GOTR), Colonel Dmitry Zelenkov, has given assistance, for example, in case of emergency”, has reached nearly seven billion USD, almost recently an interview to the Russian weekly Zelenkov was quoted by media. as much as the entire GDP of the Republic of “Zvezda” in which he reiterated that the GOTR Moldova. soldiers monitor, control and inspect vehicles and people entering and leaving the security Maia Sandu under fire amid In turn, along the same lines as Moscow, the zone. charges by Moscow and Tiraspol party led by Igor Dodon has harshly attacked Maia Sandu for “inappropriate statements” GOTR is the Russian military contingent The new Moldovan leader, Maia Sandu, against the separatist regime in Tiraspol, but officially in charge of watching the has a clear-cut position, opposing the also the Russian Federation. According to a depot, operating outside the peacekeeping Russian presence in the region and regularly statement adopted at the party’s congress mission format. De facto, GOTR is collaborating condemning the Tiraspol authorities. The in December 2020, “the socio-economic and with the Transnistrian military forces and President of the Republic of Moldova has stated political situation in the country created after security services for the absolute control of that the Russian troops should be withdrawn the presidential elections, generates a high access to the separatist region, which is illegal. and the peacekeeping mission transformed into degree of uncertainty.”

The opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) or of the Foreign Policy Association (APE).

Foreign Policy Association (APE) is a non-governmental organization committed to supporting the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union and facilitating the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in the context of the country Europeanization. APE was established in fall 2003 by a group of well-known experts, public personalities and former senior officials and diplomats, all of them reunited by their commitment to contribute with their expertise and experience to formulating and promoting by the Republic of Moldova of a coherent, credible and efficient foreign policy.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a German social democratic political foundation, whose purpose is to promote the principles and foundations of democracy, peace, international understanding and cooperation. FES fulfils its mandate in the spirit of social democracy, dedicating itself to Monthly newsletter, No.2 (180),the public February debate 2021 and finding in a transparent manner, social democratic solutions to current and future problems of the society. Friedrich-Ebert- 111 Bucuresti St., Chisinau, MD-2012, Republic of Moldova, Tel. +373 855830 Website: fes-moldova.org. E-mail:[email protected] has been active in the Republic of Moldova since October 2002.