Kõne: Settling the Transnsitrian conflict in the context of Moldova’s Europeanisation

Monday, 26.03.2007, 12:27 / SEISUKOHAD / RSS

M. Mikko in Chisinau, 26 March 2007
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The reintegration of Transnistria has not been going anywhere for ten years.
Why should it and how could it?
The situation can change only if there is decisive action. There will be no
decisive action without an interest in change. Moreover, the stronger the interest, the
better are the chances for change. A great interest of a relatively small player can be
as good as a minor interest of a big power of the international scene.
We know that the secessionist regime in Tiraspol has a great interest in
preserving the status quo. So has the Kremlin. 2500 troops is not a lot for Moscow,
but so far this contingent has prevented any progress on the issue.
Are these two really more powerful than the powers in favour of restoring
Moldova’s territorial integrity? After all, Moldova has international law on its side as
well as the USA and its neighbours – EU and Ukraine.
Of course the USA has a far greater weight in the international affairs than
Russia. And unquestionably the US supports the reunification and prosperity of
Moldova. But unfortunately the US effort is tied down in the Near East.
This leaves Moldova’s neighbours – Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine has made a
remarkable contribution by establishing proper border controls in conjunction with the
EUBAM. This has been one of the real success stories of recent years. The EU is
certainly interested in reintegrated, peaceful and prosperous Moldova.
Those in favour of reuniting Moldova are also in favour of accomplishing this in
a way, which would enhance international security and cooperation. In open words
this means by persuasion more than by coercion.
Thus far all the argumentation in the direction of Moscow and Tiraspol has had
little effect. Our proposal to them has not been deemed attractive enough by the rulers
in Tiraspol and Moscow.
But what about the people living on the left bank of Nistru? What do they care
about? Have they been addressed properly?
As people anywhere, they want security, prosperity and a future for their
children. Right now, they are leaving Transnistria in droves, to seek better life in
Russia or the EU, often as illegal workers without any rights. Rough as this fate might
be, it still seems preferable to what they see as their future in their home.
The people are leaving in great numbers from the Nistru right bank as well.
Presently, even the poor Transnistria is more prosperous than Moldova.
As the chair of the European Parliament’s delegation to the EU-Moldova PCC, I
have increasingly been stressing the importance of economic growth for Moldova. I
have been doing it to help Moldova’s European integration. I now am doing it to help
restoration of Moldovan unity.
If Moldova were more prosperous and more democratic than Russia, the
Transnistrians would have a good alternative to leaving their homes and families in
search of a living wage. In fact, even just being more prosperous than Transnistria
would be very helpful in creating a real chance of Moldovan unity.
M. Mikko in Chisinau, 26 March 2007
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Economic prosperity, democracy and the rule of law in Moldova is right now
the best chance for reintegration. All the other avenues have been explored
extensively for more than a decade and the results are not encouraging.
EU-Moldova Action Plan was created as a tool for Moldova to achieve
European standards in economic prosperity, democracy and the rule of law. These are
coincidentally some of the conditions for the EU memeberhip. But most of all, these
are good by themselves.
About 2 years ago, president Voronin assured us that Moldova will work hard at
implementing the EU- Moldova Action Plan. He said that Moldova counts on our
support and understanding to go through the complex process of European integration
successfully.
And indeed, Moldova can count on our support to its effort. The greater the
effort, the greater the support. After all, if the chicken does not want to cross the road,
there is no sense in helping it to cross the road.
I have recently heard some young people demanding that Europe should accept
Moldova as it is, not interfere with lots of demands about media freedom, justice
system and economic development.
Moldova as it is might suit some people who have enjoyed rapid promotion,
postings abroad or other privileges accessible to just a few. It certainly does not suit
hundreds of thousands of Moldovans who have left to work abroad.
It is true that my home country, Estonia, has enjoyed and continues to enjoy
many benefits of the membership in the EU. It is however equally true that we had to
go most of the way to our present levels of prosperity before the EU would consider
us worthy to join the club.
More than that, we achieved fully European levels in the area of democracy and
human rights long before the economy picked up speed. And we never took a step
back. It would be unthinkable that an honest Estonian citizen would have fear of our
judicial system being abused for political purposes. We do not keep politicians in jail
while we cook up new charges against them.
I see that I must be open ad straightforward. Moldova cannot outsource the
responsibility for its prosperity to the European Union. We help development, we do
not encourage dependency. Instead of giving fish, we are giving a fishhook and a
fishing rod.
But there are others who prefer to hide their hooks in what seems to be free
lunch. That is what fishing is all about, isn’t it?
Moldova’s recent closeness with Russia has not gone unnoticed. Some
politicians seem to have been enticed by what seems to be available for free: the
chance to work less, to continue as always. Yes, Kreml might give Moldova a gift
now and then. But it will always be enough just to maintain dependence. Blackmail is
tactics, which the Kremlin uses with a great skill.
Moldova has no other choice but to become independent of Russian market.
This dependecy is what made you easy to blackmail. This is Moldova‘s greatest
weakness.
While the economic development gathers pace, Moldova must use other ways to
show that it belongs to the European club. Moldovans must find the people who
M. Mikko in Chisinau, 26 March 2007
DRAFT – check against delivery embody the essence of Europeanism and send them to represent, to lobby, to sway
and to persuade the world.
Georgian president Mikheil Sakaschwili came to the European Parliament in
Strasbourg for a formal sitting and to open a Georgian wine presentation. In his short
speech at the wine exhibition he mentioned that he had learned a lesson from his long
speech in the plenary. Namely, that in Europe the time limits, like any other rules, are
meant for observing them. Georgia won many friends that day.
The Georgians are very good at this so-called “charm offensive”. That is the
reason why an average person in Europe thinks Georgia is 4 times bigger than
Moldova. In reality, the sizes are almost equal.
I have had many occasions to experience the hospitality of Moldovan people.
There is no reason, why you should not be able to charm the whole Europe. It is only
a matter of resolve and discipline. And of course the right attitude.
If the charm offensive does not succeed right away, at least being just offensive
should be avoided at all costs. The tendency to complain and blame others is one of
the worst legacies of the Soviet Union.
We got used to hearing every day how the Western imperialism and bad
wetaher were doing their worst to hold back the inevitable victory of Communism.
Interfering in our internal affairs by demanding democracy and human rights.
In reality of course the West wished the best for our people. In the same way,
European Union is not demanding anything unreasonable. To speed up the European
integration, it is important to have a good, respected and stable representation in
Brussels.
Officials in Brussels external relations are diplomatic, but they are also
attentive, analytical and good at their work. Steps such as recalling an ambassador
before the end of the term are carefully scrutinized. If such a move is seen as a result
of political interference, disunity at home or even wanton power play, this will not
enhance Moldova’s standing.
But for relations with the EU you do not need to go as far as Brussels. From the
beginning of this year, you only have to step across the border. Your relations with
Romania are your relations with the EU.
In the EU, each member state has a voice, therefore the ties with each of them
should be cultivated. There needs to be a very good reason for singling out just one of
them as a strategic partner. Especially if it is done in a way certain to be noticed
disfavourably in the other member states.
I am really sorry to notice the rise of anti-Romanian sentiment in Moldova.
Romania is a member state of the EU and respects the sovereignty of Moldova. As a
historically close nation, Romania could help Moldova with its difficult task. As
surely can Hungary.
After all, if you cannot charm your friends, how are you going to win over the
indifferent or even the hostile? Ukraine has done a fair share of work in helping
Moldova. The Baltic states have done what they could. Moldova needs to preserve
and deepen those ties.
I cannot thank Finland enough for what it did to help Estonia to rejoin Europe.
But I keep doing it whenever possible. So Moldovan elected and appointed
M. Mikko in Chisinau, 26 March 2007
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– 4 –
representatives should look for what good things have been coming from its
neighbours and emphasize them. This is the European way.
Let me summarize. The best chance to reintegrate Transnistria is through the
will of its inhabitants. This will can only emerge, if the life in Moldova is better than
in Transnistria and Russia. To make life better, Moldova needs more action, not more
words.
Before long the most active and productive part of Moldovan population will
have found a new life in Europe or Russia. This is something, which might be
irreversible.
That is why I have incleasingly been talking openly and directly of Moldova’s
shortcomings. I expect nothing less than honesty and opeenness in return.
Instead, there are still too many polished words without much substance. We
know the difference between resolutions, intentions and legislation and practical
achievements. Each of them has its place in the march of progress.
Moldova has been really good in delivering the former. Now it is high time for
the latter. Moldova must start acting like an European state.