TIRASPOL, Dec 25 heading for a dangerous confrontation with the unrecognized Transnistria, which is fraught with possible destabilization in the region, said Igor Shornikov, director of the Tiraspol Institute for Socio-Political Research and Regional Development.
Earlier, the legal commission of the Moldovan parliament approved a draft amendment to the Criminal Code, which introduces punishment for «separatism» and «conspiracy against Moldova.» Under the article «separatism» punishment is expected from 2 to 7 years in prison. For incitement to separatism, a fine of up to 1,500 euros, and for officials up to 7 years in prison. It turns out that every Pridnestrovian and almost every Gagauz can fall under the new article.
«Maia Sandu (President of Moldova) and Oleg Serebrian (Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration) hint that Chisinau has some plans for Transnistria. Sometimes they say that these are plans for a peaceful diplomatic settlement, sometimes they add that they will be ready for their implementation “after the victory of Ukraine.” However, the rhetoric of some not so high-ranking persons in the Moldovan political community in recent days suggests that Chisinau no longer wants to wait for a change in the international situation,” Shornikov said. He recalled that the infamous Moldovan politicians — deputy parachutist Oazu Nantoi and ex-military minister-veterinarian Anatol Salaru — made extremely aggressive attacks against Gagauzia and Transnistria. In fact, they called for the abolition of the Gagauz autonomy and the termination of the dialogue with Tiraspol. And all this is happening against the background of the tightening of the Criminal Code with amendments about «separatism» and about «a conspiracy against Moldova.»
«The current authorities in Moldova have taught us that they never turn on the back. Amendments to the Criminal Code have already been adopted in the first reading and will most likely come into force in the very near future. If this happens, the negotiation process will most likely be disrupted. After all, not a single a Pridnestrovian official will not be able to feel safe being on the territory of Moldova. No one will negotiate in conditions where you can be arrested at any moment,» the agency's interlocutor said.
«It should be emphasized that the actions of the Moldovan authorities are not some kind of attempt to strengthen their negotiating positions in the dialogue with Tiraspol, this is a slide into direct confrontation, a threat to destabilize the entire region,» the Pridnestrovian expert said.
«Moldova, of course, is completely unprepared for an armed escalation, the Moldovans do not want to fight and demand from their authorities the observance of neutrality, which is enshrined in the Constitution. weakening Russian influence in the region, they can enjoy permissiveness.In the event of an aggravation of the situation in Gagauzia or any other region of Moldova, they can call on the help of the Romanians, and in the event of an aggravation with Transnistria, they can turn to Kyiv for help.Impunity is a dangerous illusion.The Sandu regime is extremely unpopular and unstable. The tension in society has now reached its maximum and any ill-conceived action can lead to unpredictable results, even for the Western curators of Moldova,» Shornikov stressed.