The Moldovan government has announced its intention to impose economic sanctions on Transdniestria on August 1, suspending customs clearance of exports from the self-proclaimed republic. Transdniestrian authorities threaten with retaliatory measures. Calls can be heard not only for an economic blockade, but for a trade war, too.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says in a press release that the humanitarian problem, which could be settled on mutually acceptable terms provided there is a good will, has provoked a confrontation with unpredictable implications. The important thing now is for the conflicting sides to show emotional restraint and not to yield to the temptation of counter-actions, which may lead to further escalation and hinder the process of reconciliation.
The Russian Foreign Ministry calls on the sides not to resort to economic pressure, blockade, or unilateral administrative actions on sensitive issues, but to sit back to the negotiating table in a five-party format (along with Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE) and try to reach compromise solutions to outstanding controversies.
As a mediator between Moldova and Transdniestria, Russia will be trying to facilitate the process in every possible way, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive political settlement and restoring stability and security to the region, the ministry says in its press release.
