CHISINAU. March 2 (Interfax) - The conflict in Transdniestria has been artificially fueled by corruption in the region, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.
"There is no lack of understanding between people on both banks of the river (Dniester). We're the same. We have the same needs, and we are equally suffering from poverty, the absence of economic opportunities, corruption, and mistrust in the authorities. All of us are victims of regional corruption, which has been using this conflict as a source of enrichment through contraband, embezzlement, and illegal trade. All of us know that thousands of people have suffered because of that, while a few have grown rich. Some of them are here, in Chisinau," Sandu said at a rally on Tuesday, marking the anniversary of the armed confrontation between Moldovan police and Transdniestrian armed units in March 1992.
"We should bow to the veterans of the armed conflict on the Dniester River, who stood up in defense of Moldova's integrity and independence. Those opposed to Moldova's independence, development, and wellbeing attacked it in 1992," Sandu said.
"Our country has been unable to breathe easily since then. The corrupt clans which attacked the people in the 1990s are still stealing and enriching themselves at the expense of honest people even in times of plague. Despite the record number of citizens of this country who went to the polls in November 2020 and categorically said 'no' to embezzlement, the Hydra of corruption is still fighting and hoping it can escape justice and the anger of the people who demand justice. We must not give in to thieves in the memory of those who died defending this country. We have a responsibility to build a society of justice and prosperity for all," she said.
Meanwhile, Party of Socialists Chairman and former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has urged politicians to abstain from declarations and actions that might escalate tensions in the Dniester region.
"We have been hearing lately dangerous statements from Moldovan politicians, including members of the new president's administration. Therefore, I am urging all politicians to abstain from such declarations and actions that might lead to an escalation of tensions in the Dniester region," Dodon said on Facebook.
"All residents of this country irrespective of their political beliefs should learn the lessons of these tragic events and make an effort to overcome their consequences in order to preserve a peaceful, stable, and prosperous country for their descendants," he said.
Dodon said he had laid flowers on the bridge across the Dniester River together with deputies from the Party of Socialists. "We have paid tribute to the memory of the fallen and have underlined that the tragic events of 1992 connected to the Transdniestrian conflict are the darkest and most regretful page in the modern history of Moldova," he said.
The Transdniestrian conflict began on March 2, 1992 with clashes between Moldovan police and armed formations of the unrecognized Transdniestrian Republic in Dubasari. The armed conflict continued until July 21, 1992, when the presidents of Moldova and Russia signed an agreement on ending the conflict and deploying peacekeeping forces to the region.