Moldova's Future Remains Uncertain

Listening to various opinions about the same event/ situation might bring you closer to the truth. The report published by the International Crisis Group (ICG) "Moldova's Uncertain Future" http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4340&f=1 contains an interesting analysis of recent initiatives to approach several Transnistrian-related problems. One is the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) launched in late 2005 to help curb smuggling along the Transnistrian segment of the Moldova-Ukraine frontier. Another one is Kiev’s implementation of a landmark customs regime to assist Moldova in regulating Transnistrian exports to reduce the ability of Transnistrian businesses to operate without Moldovan oversight.

The report finds that these measures have not forced Transnistria to make diplomatic concessions, as anticipated. ICG thinks that now "the best chance for moving toward a sustainable settlement is to convince the Transdniestrian business community that cooperating with Moldova is in its own interests. There is evidence that some business leaders are growing frustrated with Smirnov and may be willing to work with Chisinau."