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Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Aug 24 2012
Solution of Transnistria issue is example for Nagorno-Karabakh
by Alexey Balashov exclusively for VK
The Constitutional Court of Romania recognized the referendum on the
impeachment of President Traian Basescu as failed last week. This
means that Basescu has achieved another victory over his political
opponents. The first victory happened in 2007 when the parliament's
attempt of impeachment for excess of power was nullified by a
referendum, 57% of voters expressed confidence in the president and
allowed him to conclude the first terms of office. But the referendum
this year saw only 46% of voters when 50%+1 were needed. The
Constitutional Court did not recognize the referendum and Basescu was
back to presidency.
In an interview with Golos Rossii, Basescu said that he was ready to
co-exist with oppositionist prime minister and parliament. He also
touched upon the Transnistria problem, one of the most sensitive
aspects of Russian-Romanian relations. Basescu stated that he wanted
Moldavia and Romania to be sovereign states populated by a single
nation. The president approved the fight of dictator Ion Antonescu
against the USSR in 1941. But the Romanian leader avoid telling the
goal of merging Romania and Moldova into a single state.
Basescu's current objective is to speed up the process of joining the
EU. Joining the union would put Moldova under influence of Bucharest,
but a smoother position in settling the conflict would no doubt
intensify the negotiations.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin visited Tiraspol in
late July and said that the future of Transnistria is to become part
of the Moldova Federation. Regarding Moscow's recognition of
Transnistria, Karasin responded: `We see the future of Transnistria as
a separate district with special internationally-recognized guarantees
as part of the Moldova state'. This statement is essential, because it
was made by a high-ranking Russian official in Teraspol for
authorities of the breakaway republic for the first time.
Neutrality of the Moldova Federation is one of the points of the peace
treaty to be signed. Basescu mentioned help for Moldova to join the
EU, making neutrality of Kishinev questionable. The EU factor is
peculiar when comparing the Transnistria conflict with
Nagorno-Karabakh. No state involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
had plans for supranational unions. This makes federalization in the
South Caucasus conflict more acceptable than for Moldova. Moreover,
elites of Kishinev and Tiraspol will try to exaggerate their
importance and role in the federation.
There is nonetheless a change in the positions of Bucharest and
Moscow, their views on the problem, ease of demands. Moreover, Moscow
clarifies that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are an exception and their
example should not be used to resolve other conflicts on the
post-Soviet space. The Nagorno-Karabakh and Transnistria conflicts
should be settled according to the international law and territorial
unity (the way it was done in Chechnya, although with a lot of blood
spilt). It is the only legal and acceptable solution.
Traian Basescu continues assuring Russia that the European missile
shield is not against Moscow and targets terrorists and states with
unclear nuclear programs and missiles exceeding permissible medium and
low ranges.
Concerning energy supplies for the EU and new gas pipeline to Europe,
the Romanian president emphasized that, as a member of the European
Union, the country will be obliged to share the EU energy policy. This
means that Nabucco would be a priority for Romania. Yet, Basescu said
that Romania would not oppose the South Stream project if it proves
more efficient. Romania continues its bid between the two partners and
does not want to lose ties with Russia's Gazprom.
Romania will have new presidential polls soon enough. Authorities in
the country have high chances to change and so would the vector of
development. New authorities may dissociate themselves from the
predecessor and disavow many of his statements and initiatives. This
include such positive ideas as a smoother position in the Transnistria
settlement and granting Gazprom and its South Stream an opportunity to
compete with Nabucco.
Aug 24 2012
Solution of Transnistria issue is example for Nagorno-Karabakh
by Alexey Balashov exclusively for VK
The Constitutional Court of Romania recognized the referendum on the
impeachment of President Traian Basescu as failed last week. This
means that Basescu has achieved another victory over his political
opponents. The first victory happened in 2007 when the parliament's
attempt of impeachment for excess of power was nullified by a
referendum, 57% of voters expressed confidence in the president and
allowed him to conclude the first terms of office. But the referendum
this year saw only 46% of voters when 50%+1 were needed. The
Constitutional Court did not recognize the referendum and Basescu was
back to presidency.
In an interview with Golos Rossii, Basescu said that he was ready to
co-exist with oppositionist prime minister and parliament. He also
touched upon the Transnistria problem, one of the most sensitive
aspects of Russian-Romanian relations. Basescu stated that he wanted
Moldavia and Romania to be sovereign states populated by a single
nation. The president approved the fight of dictator Ion Antonescu
against the USSR in 1941. But the Romanian leader avoid telling the
goal of merging Romania and Moldova into a single state.
Basescu's current objective is to speed up the process of joining the
EU. Joining the union would put Moldova under influence of Bucharest,
but a smoother position in settling the conflict would no doubt
intensify the negotiations.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin visited Tiraspol in
late July and said that the future of Transnistria is to become part
of the Moldova Federation. Regarding Moscow's recognition of
Transnistria, Karasin responded: `We see the future of Transnistria as
a separate district with special internationally-recognized guarantees
as part of the Moldova state'. This statement is essential, because it
was made by a high-ranking Russian official in Teraspol for
authorities of the breakaway republic for the first time.
Neutrality of the Moldova Federation is one of the points of the peace
treaty to be signed. Basescu mentioned help for Moldova to join the
EU, making neutrality of Kishinev questionable. The EU factor is
peculiar when comparing the Transnistria conflict with
Nagorno-Karabakh. No state involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
had plans for supranational unions. This makes federalization in the
South Caucasus conflict more acceptable than for Moldova. Moreover,
elites of Kishinev and Tiraspol will try to exaggerate their
importance and role in the federation.
There is nonetheless a change in the positions of Bucharest and
Moscow, their views on the problem, ease of demands. Moreover, Moscow
clarifies that Abkhazia and South Ossetia are an exception and their
example should not be used to resolve other conflicts on the
post-Soviet space. The Nagorno-Karabakh and Transnistria conflicts
should be settled according to the international law and territorial
unity (the way it was done in Chechnya, although with a lot of blood
spilt). It is the only legal and acceptable solution.
Traian Basescu continues assuring Russia that the European missile
shield is not against Moscow and targets terrorists and states with
unclear nuclear programs and missiles exceeding permissible medium and
low ranges.
Concerning energy supplies for the EU and new gas pipeline to Europe,
the Romanian president emphasized that, as a member of the European
Union, the country will be obliged to share the EU energy policy. This
means that Nabucco would be a priority for Romania. Yet, Basescu said
that Romania would not oppose the South Stream project if it proves
more efficient. Romania continues its bid between the two partners and
does not want to lose ties with Russia's Gazprom.
Romania will have new presidential polls soon enough. Authorities in
the country have high chances to change and so would the vector of
development. New authorities may dissociate themselves from the
predecessor and disavow many of his statements and initiatives. This
include such positive ideas as a smoother position in the Transnistria
settlement and granting Gazprom and its South Stream an opportunity to
compete with Nabucco.