Managing Intractable Conflicts: Lessons from Moldova and Cyprus

Introduction
13
both the similarities and differences between the Cyprus and Transnistrian cases
and also addresses the content versus context friction of the respective negotiation
processes.
Based on first-hand information and know-how acquired during the field visits, the
international team of experts participating in this project produced the following set
of recommendations for stakeholders involved in the search for a comprehensive
settlement of the Transnistrian and Cyprus problems:
• Utilize the available opportunities; show flexibility and focus on delivering
step-by-step progress in negotiations between the two sides so that further
protracting or backtracking of the talks is avoided;
• When challenges prevent progress in establishing the content of the negotiations
agenda, redirect the focus on developing the context of the talks
in order to keep the negotiation process alive at all times;
• Increase contacts and direct communication between the two parties at
all levels and encourage cooperation as well as consultation between the
political leadership and civil society, i.e. interconnect track one and track
two diplomacy;
• Focus cross-divide cooperation on mutual growth and development; address
challenges that require immediate attention, e.g. the management of
natural resources; and propose joint solutions, which could leverage the
impact of remittances;
• Support the implementation of initiatives and grass roots programs that
aim to diminish stereotypes about the “other side”, including changing
the schoolbooks featuring historical narratives of the respective conflicts;
build trust; and prepare the publics for accepting a prospective political
settlement;
• Support cooperation between journalists from both sides; organize joint
trainings on responsible journalism, social media and community media
in order to encourage balanced and impartial coverage of issues related
to the negotiation process, the future settlement as well as issues of joint
interest; and to reach a wider audience;
• Initiate programs of economic, trade and entrepreneurial development to
increase cooperation and interdependence between both sides and consequently
reduce the influence of actors with vested interest in maintaining
the status quo.