We, the representatives of civil society of the Republic of Moldova, note that the acceleration of European Union – Republic of Moldova dialogue, under the perspective of the latter’s accession to the European economic space, the liberalization of the visa regime and the modernization of the state of Republic of Moldova were followed by the premeditated aggravation of the situation in the Eastern districts of the Republic of Moldova.
The naming of a “special representative for Transdniestria” by Russian President Putin, the abusive militarization of the region under the guise of “peacekeeping” operations, the killing of the Moldovan citizen Vadim Pisari by the Russian peacekeeper, the subsequent refusal of Russian authorities to efficiently investigate this murder and the continuation of support for this xenophobic and authoritarian regime by Russia are just some of the elements of the destructive policies at play in direct regard to the Republic of Moldova, as well as against the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.
We regard recent events in the Security Zone, and especially in Bender, as part of a destabilizing scenario. The purpose of these tensions and of the destabilizing situation aren’t very clear, yet are interpretable. They could represent the wishes of internal and external forces to eliminate the legitimate presence of some constitutional structures from Bender, and can range to the occupation of certain localities in the East of the country, which are still under the control and jurisdiction of the constitutional central government of Chisinau. We believe that, especially in view of the EU Summit of Vilnius, certain provocations could be started, with the participation of separatist and paramilitary troops, as well as the Russian military forces also present in the Security Zone, which would subdue and bound other localities of the Dubasari district. Therefore, a “Cypriot scenario” could be imposed, even a worse one in the case of the Republic of Moldova.
We are shocked and disappointed to observe how the political representatives of the Republic of Moldova, with the exception of a few directly involved institutions, are totally irresponsible in regards to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and, more so, to the massive, systematic and brutal violations of human rights, including those against their own citizens. The regime to the left of the Dniester River and those who stand behind them are profiting fully by the lack or responsibility, incompetence and, often times, the corruption of the political elite from the Republic of Moldova.
We alert the representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Republic of Moldova and those of the OSCE mission of the rising risk of these violent provocations with extremely grave consequences. We request mass-media representatives from the Republic of Moldova to manifest maturity and professionalism in the adequate reporting of the conflict in the Eastern districts, for the purpose of objectively informing the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and, in this context, to put pressure on the political representatives.
The undersigned will not permit the frail progress already made by the Republic of Moldova, largely caused by the support of Western partners, to be sacrificed because of a lack of internal capacity to face provocations and crimes against fundamental human rights in the Security Zone.
Contacts:
Oazu Nantoi, Institutul de Politici Publice, [email protected], tel: (+373 22) 27 67 85
Radu Vrabie, Asociația pentru Politca Externă, [email protected], tel: (+373 22) 22 44 30
Liubomir Chiriac, IDIS Viitorul, [email protected], tel: (+ 373 22) 21 09 32
Sergiu Ostaf, CreDO, [email protected], tel: (+373 22) 21 28 16
Ion Manole, Promo-LEX Association, [email protected], tel: (+ 373 22) 49 26 84
DOC – The position of Non-Governmental Organizations on the tense situation in the Security Zone