Strategic and Security Studies Group TRANSNISTRIAN PROBLEM: a view from Ukraine KYIV 2009 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP The publication contains the results of the research of interstate relations between Ukraine and Moldova through the lens of Transnistrian settlement problem. The focal points of the research are the assessment of cooperation between two states, issues of citizenship, border regime, interethnic relations, NGOs partnership etc. The publication is aimed at enhancing the dialogue of Ukrainian and Moldovan experts and politicians. It was prepared within the project “Transnistrian problem: a view from Ukraine” supported by International Renaissance Foundation (project manager – O.Basarab). Chapters 14 and 16 were prepared with the kind assistance of Open Ukraine Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation. The project was implemented by “Strategic and Security Studies Group” (SSSG) - non-governmental organization, which has been working since 2003 in the field of: National security policy and sustainable development of Ukraine International relations and foreign policy of Ukraine Regional and international security European political and integration processes Euro Atlantic dialogue and integration SSSG supports transparency in decision-making process and wider discussion regarding foreign, security and defense policy policy of Ukraine and to promotes democratic changes in society. Our contacts: Info[a]gsbs.org.ua www.gsbs.org.ua + 38 (044) 491 - 3830 Publication edited by S. GERASYMCHUK Authors: N. BELITSER (Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy) S. GERASYMCHUK (Strategic and Security Studies Group) O. GRYTSENKO (Strategic and Security Studies Group) Y. DOVGOPOL (Independent expert) Z. ZHMINKO (Strategic and Security Studies Group) Y. MATIYCHYK (Strategic and Security Studies Group) O. SUSHKO (Institute of Euro-atlantic Cooperation) O. CHABALA (Independent expert) 2 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP CONTENT Introduction 1. Once again on the Strategic Interests of Ukraine towards Republic of Moldova 2. The overview of the development of relations with Moldova and the dynamics of Transnistrian conflict resolution: the Ukrainian perspective 2.1. Position of the leading political movements 2.2. Position of regional elites 2.3. Position of business groups and informal groups of interest 3. The characteristics of cooperation between Ukrainian and Transnistrian business-structures 4. The problems Ukrainian minority faces in Transnistria and the rest of Moldova 5. The Issue of Ukrainian-Moldovan border 5.1. General assessment of the condition of Ukrainian-Moldovan border 5.2. Problems of ensuring border regime at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border 5.3. Problems of ensuring customs regime at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border 5.4. The assessment of mutual control experience at border entry points at the Ukrainian-Moldovan state border 5.5. Sources and types of irregularities of customs and border regime at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border 6. A Role of Ukraine as a Participant of the Negotiation Process on Settlement of the Transnistrian Conflict (“5+2” Format) 7. 2009: The Development of the Process of Transnistrian Settlement on the Background of the Political Events in Chisinau and Tiraspol 7.1. The interrelations between April events in Chisinau and Tiraspol 7.2. The development of political situation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova (April-December 2009) 7.3. Transnistrian settlement - 2009: attempts to revive the constructive dialogue 8. Role and Significance of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) 8.1. Preconditions for establishing the EUBAM 8.2. A short history of the EUBAM 8.3. Mission’s main characteristics 8.4. Assessment of Mission Functioning 8.5. Monitoring of the implementation of the Joint Declaration of Moldova and Ukraine 8.6. Fight against contraband and other crossborder crimes 8.7. Technical assistance 8.8. Mechanisms of funding 3 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP 8.9. Prospects for the future 8.10. EUBAM and civil society 9. Actions Aimed To Settlement of the Transnistrian Conflict in the Framework of Fulfilling NATO-Ukraine Annual Target Plans 10. A Problem of Unsettled Status of Military Formations and Arsenals in the Transnistrian Region of Moldova 10.1. The Status of Military Formations on the Territory of Transnistria 10.2. Armaments Status on Transnistrian Territory 11. Kosovo “non-precedent”: impact on the situation in Transnistria and the prospects of conflict settlement 11.1. Preparations for Kosovo independence 11.2. After declaration of Kosovo’s independence 12. Recognition by Russia of South Ossetia’s and Abkhasia”s independence: new risks and challenges for Transnistrian conflict settlement 13. Influence of Transnistria on the separatism in Ukraine 14. Covering Transnistrian Problematic by Ukrainian Media 14.1. What is interesting for media in “Transnistrian issue”? 14.2. Ukrainian Community of the Transnistrian region of Moldova. Informational Aspect. 14.3. The Results of the Content Analysis of Covering the “Transnistrian Issue” in Ukrainian Media 14.4. Classification of problems that characterize informational support of Ukrainian community in Moldova and the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova 15. Informational influence of Russian (and pro-Russian) media on the problem of settlement of the Transnistrian conflict 16. Cooperation of Ukrainian Analytical Centres and NGOs with Moldovan and International Organisations on Transnistrian Issues Summary 4 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP INTRODUCTION The Project "Transnistrian problem: view from Ukraine" is the result of joint efforts of Ukrainian NGOs in the field of researching Transnistrian problem and overcoming its results. The experts affiliated to these organizations: Strategic and Security Studies Group, Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy, Institute for Euroatlantic cooperation more then once participated in the international projects, which were devoted to the research of the frozen conflict in Moldova. The projects had mostly trilateral format though, including the experts from Romania and Moldova. In particular, the following project are worth attention: "Trilateral Plan for Transnistrian Problem Resolution: Regional Partnership for joint Commitment-oriented approaches", "Trilateral approach toward European and Euroatlantic integration" and "Cooperation of Romania, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for Societal Security", "Efficient Institutional approaches for Combating Intolerance and Extremism in Black Sea Region", quadrilateral research "Interethnic Relation, Minority Rights and Security Challenges: a view from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and Hungary". While researching the problem experts of the working group of this project came to conclusion that Transnistrian Frozen conflict on the Ukrainian border is of extraordinary interest from the perspective of national security of Ukraine. Moreover, the existence of the direct interest of the Ukrainian state in Transnistrian conflict resolution demands systematization of knowledge on Transnistrian issue through the lenses of national interests. The aforementioned circumstances caused the elaboration of this book which was published due to the support of European Program of "International Renaissance Foundation". Evidently, the completion of such an ambitious task would never be possible without the support of a number of influential international institutions and organizations and institutions from Ukraine and Moldova. Within this context first and foremost it is necessary to express gratitude to Open Ukraine Foundation and Victor Pinchuk Foundation who supported one of the study trips to Moldova and International round-tables "Transnistrian problem: a view from Ukraine" in Chisinau (03.04.09) and "Ukraine – Moldova relations: the perspectives for cooperation and current challenges" in Kyiv (06.05.09). No less important was the support of Soros Foundation Moldova and personally manager of the "East- East: Partnership Beyond Borders" Program in Moldova Ms. Ana Coretchi and her colleague in Ukraine Ms. Tetiana Kukharenko. Due to there efforts the mentioned round table was held at Soros Moumdation Moldova premises and had an appropriate media-resonance. The significant input into organizing the working meetings in Moldova and Transnistrian region belongs to the Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, and personally H.E. Extraordinary and Plepotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova Dr. Sergiy Pyrozhkov and also Embassy's diplomats, in particular Mr. Eugene Enin. With the kind assistance of the Ukrainian Consulate in Moldova the meetings of the research group with the Ukrainian community in Belts town became possible as well. In this regard the working group of the project expresses its gratitude to the Consul of Ukraine in Moldova Mr. Svyatoslav Drach. 5 STRATEGIC AND SECURITY STUDIES GROUP The authors of this research also express gratitude to Special Representative of Ukraine on Transnistrian Resolution Mr. Victor Kryzhanivsky, who had a briefing with the research group of the project and explained the official position of Ukraine regarding Transnistrian conflict resolution. We also enjoyes the significant support from the official structures of Moldova, in particular Strategic and Security Studies Group and the working group of the project express gratitude to ex-vice-minister of reintegration of RM Mr. Ion Stavila, and current and former MPs of Moldova Mr. Mykola Oliynyk (who simultaneously