Political representatives on Transnistrian problem meet in Tiraspol

Chisinau, 11 September /MOLDPRES/- The political representatives for the Transnistrian conflict settlement on behalf of Chisinau and Tiraspol, Victor Osipov and Nina Shtanski, had a working meeting at the OSCE Mission's headquarters in Tiraspol on 10 September. Attending the event were also representatives of participants within the 5+2 format, the Bureau for Reintegration has reported.

The sides tackled the problem on crossing the Moldovan-Ukrainian border by vehicles "with Transnistrian registration numbers". Osipov noted that the measure applied by the Moldovan border police represented a conformation to corresponding international standards, which operated at the other border checkpoints. At the same time, Chisinau official noted that the Moldovan authorities further admitted the vehicles "with Transnistrian registration plates" for circulation within the country. 

Though there are more aspects and concerns in this context, both on the problems faced by transport owners from Transnistria and issues related to tax evasion and other negative consequences, generated by the use of vehicles with Transnistrian registration plates. Osipov insisted on the need to resume the activity of working group for motor transport in order to complete a solution in the interest of transport owners from Transnistria.

Touching upon the cases on detention of foreign persons at the Chisinau International Airport, Osipov reiterated the stance of Moldovan authorities, who acted in line with the norms of international law and legislation in force, informing these persons about reasons of measures that had been applied. He stressed that such cases were singular and justified by data held by state law enforcement bodies. At the same time, tens of thousands of people are daily transiting the Chisinau airport, which proved observing the right to free movement by Moldova.

In this context, he tackled the problem on ensuring free movement of Moldovans in Transnistria, including Moldovan officials. Also, Tiraspol was warned on the obligation to observe the international certificates on compulsory auto insurance, taking into account the practices on imposing additional insurances for drivers from other countries, most of them being from Ukraine. Chisinau believes as necessary to remove the practice, which might to have serious consequences firstly for drivers from Transnistria.

The political representatives reached an agreement that in the nearest future, meetings of working groups should be convened and be considered a string of issues related to transport rates, logistics of transporting goods etc. They also discussed the "mutual" criminal files.

At the end of the meeting, Nina Shtanski announced about cessation of her duties and appointment of a new political representative of Tiraspol for Transnistrian conflict settlement. It was agreed that the next meeting in the 1+1 format should take place on 25 September in Chisinau.

 (Editor A. Răileanu)