ИСТИНА

Despite the genera statement of authorities of Moldova and unrecognized 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 transportation, trade, social security, housing, education, healthcare. The Russian-Ukrainian crisis of 2014 has made the cross-border communication between pro-Russian Transnistria and Moldova (as well as between Transnistria and Ukraine) difficult, but hasn't stopped it. Politically and ideologically partitioned by conflict of 1990s cities of Bendery and Dubossary (that are unique cases not only for the post-Soviet space, but also for the World) paradoxically remain complex in the context of everyday life. Despite the ongoing political conflict, in both divided cities there are examples of informal ties not only between local residents, but also between local authorities and even between security forces on both sides. 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 political conflict.