LIFE OVER THE CONFLICT BORDERS: SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION INSIDE THE DIVIDED CITIES (CASE STUDY OF BENDERY AND DUBOSSARY)

This article concerns with the specific character of cross-border links between the cities of Bendery and Dubossary separated by pseudo-state border. Despite the general statement of local authorities of Moldova and Transnistria that cross-border cooperation is almost absent now, in reality it is wide spread at the local level – to a greater extent between citizens and to a less extent between local authorities in the sphere of housing, transportation, social security, education, health, trade, and etc. Politically and ideologically partitioned cities of Bendery and Dubossary paradoxically remain complex in the context of everyday life. Emerging integral “cross-border landscapes” seem to be a good proving ground for testing possible methods for resolution of political conflict, which has inspired the appearance of the pseudo-state border. Removing the contradictions that exist today between Moldova and Transnistria at the zones of their direct contacts, in particular inside the divided cities, may mark a good start for further gradual “step-by-step” negotiation of the conflict.

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