Mastermind of blasts can be either inside or outside the country: Interview of Transdnestr Parliament Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk

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As it was reported before, on August 13, a second explosion within this summer occurred in municipal transport in the capital of Transdnestr Tiraspol: a trolley bus with passengers was blasted near a shopping mall. Transdnestr Parliament Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk answered questions of a REGNUM correspondent concerning the tragic accident.

REGNUM: What is the situation now in Transdnestr, how the explosion influenced everyday life?

The situation in Transdnestr is stable, but the people are highly concerned. It is a second explosion in municipal transport this summer, after all. 14 years have passed since the end of military confrontation between Moldova and Transdnestr; and now again people are being killed in the streets in peacetime. Moreover, it happens in the municipal transport, which is often used by elderly people. People have questions naturally: what happens tomorrow? And why it started exactly at this time?

REGNUM: Explosions occur on the threshold of two significant political events, the referendum on Transdnestr status appointed for September 17 and Transdnestr Moldovan Republic presidential election. Is the coincidence accidental?

Reasons of these tragic accidents should be investigated. I do not rule out that there is a direct connection between the explosions and the events you mentioned. In any case, we should answer the question: who is the mastermind? Evidently, somebody is interested in destabilizing the situation in Transdnestr.

REGNUM: Is this “somebody” in Transdnestr or outside it?

I rule out neither of the assumptions.

REGNUM: Will the parliament take the investigation of the accident under its control?

In September we shall hear to reports on the investigation of the two explosions and invite heads of law enforcement agencies. We shall take the issue in a most serious way, uncommon solutions are possible.

REGNUM: Some Moldovan politicians have expressed concern recently with the fact that after Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin’s visit to Moscow, a new draft road map for Transdnestr settlement can appear, like the Kozak Memorandum. Does it make possible new attempts to destabilize the situation in Transdnestr, doesn’t it?

As it is known, Voronin’s visit to Moscow was not a success. We shall not expect any new road maps for the conflict settlement from Chisinau’s side. Last years, policy of the Republic of Moldova, on the contrary, has been aimed at all possible exacerbation of the Transdnestr conflict. Here the long interruption in activity of the Joint Control Commission, as well as proposals to deploy international forces in the conflict zone can be mentioned.

REGNUM: The Transdnestr blockade has continued. Do you observe any chances of lifting it in the future?

Transdnestr foreign policy, in accordance with the constitution, is determined by the president, who is doing his utmost to minimize economic consequences of the measures initiated by the official Chisinau. Now the talks with Ukraine are significant. I think, after the situation in the Supreme Rada stabilizes and the government is formed, we shall be able to have more detailed talks with certain Ukrainian officials who determine the customs regime.