Demis Polandov: What do you think about the recent announcement that Trandniestria may become an autonomous part of Moldova? Are those just words or has something really changed in Moscow's approach to the matter?
Alexey Vlasov: I think this statement is well based. It seems to Moscow that the Transdniestria conflict is more likely to be resolved with the help of Russia than the Karabakh problem. The only possible way out of the Transdniestria conflict seems to be the federalization of Moldova.
Demis Polandov: You think the parties will agree to such a propositon?
Alexey Vlasov: It's quite clear that future talks will be very hard and long. The thing is that the conflict involves only Transdniestria and Moldova and not Moldova and Russia, as some people believe. I don't think that the parties will agree to this plan at once. They will do their best to negotiate the most favourable terms.
Demis Polandov: Doesn't this scheme suit Georgia and its breakway republics?
Alexey Vlasov: The situation in Georgia is different. The conflict between Russia and Georgia is mainly a conflict between Moscow and Saakashvili. That is why it's useless discussing a possible way out of the conflict before Saakashvili's resignation.
Demis Polandov: And what about after Saakashvili's resignation? How will the conflict be resoved?
Alexey Vlasov: I believe that there is no need to discuss possible renouncement of Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. It simply won't happen in the near future. You see, the situation surrounding Transdniestria is different. There is a concrete peace plan and the conflict can actually be resolved. That is why it differs so greatly from the Karabakh conflict.
