Moldovan, EU officials discuss Transnistrian conflict settlement

Chisinau, 16 November /MOLDPRES/-Acting Deputy Prime Minister Victor Osipov today held a meeting with Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for the Transnistrian settlement process, Serbian Ambassador Radojko Bogojevic, the Bureau for Reintegration has reported.

On this occasion, Osipov reiterated the key role OSCE plays in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. He also thanked Bogojevic for his efforts to boost up five-plus-two negotiations, suspended after June 2014.

The officials focused on the five-plus-two special consultations held in Vienna, including the activity of the Permanent Conference, as well as the results of the "Promoting confidence building measures in the Transnistrian conflict settlement" conference, held under the aegis of OSCE in Germany, Rottach-Egern.

The sides welcomed the enhancement of direct dialogue platforms between Chisinau and Tiraspol, as they offer resources and capacities to find practical solutions to certain problems people on both banks of the Dniester are facing due to lack of progress in the conflict’s settlement.

Osipov praised the OSCE chairmanship's efforts to organise a round of five-plus-two official negotiations before the ministerial meeting in Belgrade takes place. He added that Chisinau officials back this initiative unconditionally. The Moldovan official added that it was necessary to take actions and respond to the needs of the population, and first of all, return farmland areas to farmers from Dubasari district. As for the three topics of the five-plus-two negotiations, Osipov reiterated the need to focus strictly upon the initial aim of the negotiations, and thus, reach a political settlement of the conflict, observing Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The OSCE special representative thanked the Moldovan government for its constant efforts to enhance dialogue within the Transnistrian conflict’s settlement process and hold unconditional negotiations. Bogojevic said it was necessary to resume negotiations in the five-plus-two format, adding that it is important to ensure flexibility during the working process.

The EU official assured that OSCE continued to be deeply involved in the Transnistrian conflict settlement and help consolidate talks.

Osipov and Bogojevic held a joint news briefing at the end of the meeting.

(Editor L. Alcaza)