On the occasion of ten years from signing of the memorandum on the basic principles for normalization of the relations between the parties, Russia reiterates its readiness to mediate a constructive dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, as well as the discussions for the development of a model settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.
A commentary of the Russian Foreign Ministry notes that the memorandum of 1997 "is one of the most important achievements in the process of formation of a legal foundation for settling the Transnistrian conflict".
In the context, Russia calls on the parties to observe the commitments made by now, including the memorandum of 1997, as a foundation in the process of talks. "The settling principles stipulated in this document create favorable prerequisites for social and economic development and are conformant with the interests of the inhabitants of both Nistru riverbanks, including Russian citizens and country fellows", the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement shows.
The document was signed on 8 May 1997, as a result of the mediations by the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the OSCE. Petru Lucinschi, Moldova's President back then, and Igor Smirnov, Tiraspol leader, signed a memorandum on the normalization of relations between the Republic of Moldova and the unrecognized Transnistrian republic.
According to a study conducted by the Association of the Bar of the City of New York "Thawing a Frozen Conflict: Legal Aspects of the Separatist Crisis in Moldova", "by this agreement, Tiraspol engaged to establish "a joint state" with Moldova, however, this term has not been defined, which led to divergent interpretations by the parties. The agreement has not bee presented to the Parliament of Moldova for ratification, and its status in accordance with Moldovan law is ambiguous".
BASA-press