Rogozin: “Sometimes the right to self-determination is placed higher than the right to territorial integrity”
Chisinau – Tiraspol, May 10 (Navigator, Petr Alekseev) – There are cases when a people's right to self-determination is placed above a state's right to territorial integrity. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin stated this yesterday at a briefing in Tiraspol, responding to a question about the Transnistrian referendums and signature collection, during which residents of the PMR voted for recognition of the republic's independence and the possible integration of Transnistria into the Russian Federation.
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He said that Russia knows about all the referendums that took place in Transnistria, but it must be remembered that Russia has the status of a peacemaker.
“This is a very complex question, which will certainly depend on how life develops. If we talk about international law in general, then as a specialist, as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia by rank, I can tell you: there is an unconditional priority of the right to territorial integrity and it is given special respect, but with one exception, when there is a threat to the life and safety of citizens, living in a certain part of the country. Then the right to self-determination becomes higher than the right to territorial integrity. This happened, to our common regret and joy at the same time, in Crimea, when after the events on the Maidan, when threats were made against the Russian population, including physical violence, the Crimean population rebelled. And the political leadership of Russia made a historic decision to reunite with Crimea,” he said.
Rogozin recalled that Moldova intends to sign an association agreement with the European Union, and warned “about the most difficult consequences to which this could lead to Moldova itself and the Moldovan people.”
“We are categorically against the fact that Pridnestrovie is not invited to this process and that Pridnestrovie is threatened with an economic blockade. Of course, the Russian Federation will take action to ensure the full viability of Transnistria and a normal quality of life for Pridnestrovians. But in general, I say again, this is a question for the political elites. They must act in accordance with the aspirations of their own people. Therefore, I think that such important decisions as association with the European Union should be made based on the results of the November election campaign,” the Russian official said.
He is confident that “the aspirations of the Moldovan people are to be together with Russia within the framework, perhaps, of Eurasian integration, together in one cultural space,” and not “to play a third role, it is unclear who to sweep up after in the countries of the European Union.”
“Sooner or later all the emphasis will be placed,” he emphasized.
English version :: Read in English Rogozin: "Sometimes the right to self-determination is placed higher than the right to territorial integrity"