Transnistria Requests New Peacekeeping Post at Dubăsari Power Plant

Separatists in Tiraspol have called for the establishment of a new peacekeeping post on the right bank of the Dniester River to protect the Dubasari power plant. The request was submitted to the Unified Control Commission (CUC) by Tiraspol's representative, Oleg Beleakov.

Beleakov stated that a post was planned in 2006 but never implemented, and Tiraspol believes a peacekeeping mission would prevent unauthorized access to the Dubasari plant. Transnistrian media report that employees at the hydroelectric facility have expressed concerns about the "tense situation" in the Black Sea region.

However, the Moldovan delegation to the CUC reiterated its position that the existing Joint Peacekeeping Forces are sufficient to maintain peace in the Security Zone. Moldova argued that the posts set up by Tiraspol are "de jure abusive" and should be removed. Tiraspol representatives in the Commission opposed a decision on the issue.

Why this matters: The request highlights ongoing tensions between Moldova and its breakaway region of Transnistria. The dispute over peacekeeping posts reflects the complex political and security challenges in the region, particularly in light of the current conflict in Ukraine.

Moldova's Reintegration Bureau called for the removal of unauthorized peacekeeping posts and advocated for replacing the current military mission with a civilian observer mission under international oversight. This proposal has been opposed by Russia and the self-proclaimed administration in Tiraspol.

Political analyst Anatol Țăranu believes that Tiraspol's request is a deliberate attempt to pressure Chișinău and escalate the situation, suggesting that the security concerns are likely a pretext. The Transnistrian delegation to the Joint Control Commission maintains that the additional post at the Dubăsari Hydroelectric Plant would enhance stability in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Tiraspol separatists call for new peacekeeping post on Dniester's right bank to protect power plant.
• Moldova opposes the request, arguing existing forces are sufficient and Tiraspol's posts are "abusive".
• Dispute reflects ongoing tensions between Moldova and breakaway Transnistria region over peacekeeping.
• Moldova proposes replacing military mission with civilian observers, opposed by Russia and Tiraspol.
• Analyst says Tiraspol's request aims to pressure Chișinău, with security concerns likely a pretext.