Moldova committed to peaceful settlement of Transdniestria conflict - Moldovan FM at PACE

CHISINAU. April 16 (Interfax) - Chisinau remains committed to a peaceful settlement of the Transdniestria conflict, Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Mihai Popsoi said.

"Moldova is committed to a peaceful settlement policy, and the process of joining the EU may facilitate reintegration. The Transdniestrian conflict is a sensitive issue for the Republic of Moldova. But as long as there is hope for a peaceful settlement of the conflict, we will never give it up. Moldova remains committed to searching for a peaceful and sustainable solution," Popsoi said at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) while taking questions from a Ukrainian lawmaker who suggested that, among other options, Moldova should use a military one and seek NATO membership.

"The process of accession to the EU might provide a substantial impetus to reintegration," Popsoi said.

"The EU accounts for 70% of the Transdniestrian region's exports. Accession to the EU opens up new opportunities for reintegration," he said.

Speaking of Moldova's relations with NATO, Popsoi mentioned public opinion surveys showing that only around 25% of Moldovans favor their country's accession to the alliance.

"It would take lengthy public debates to secure support for and the legitimacy of reviewing [Moldova's] neutrality status. Having its neutral status stipulated by the constitution, Moldova cooperates with NATO, and we recently marked the 30th anniversary of Partnership for Peace. Moldova is taking part in the Kosovo mission [...] We try to be contributors to security rather than solely its consumers," Popsoi said.