Moldovan, German officials tackle Transnistrian conflict settlement

Chisinau, 14 December /MOLDPRES/- Acting Deputy Prime Minister Victor Osipov today held a meeting with Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt, the future Special Representative in the Transnistrian conflict’s settlement during Germany’s OSCE chairmanship in 2016.

According to a press release of the Bureau for Reintegration, Osipov welcomed Meier-Klodt’s appointment to his future position. The Moldovan official praised Germany’s thorough efforts to start the preparations for taking over the OSCE’s acting chairmanship. He had also touched upon its potential contribution to finding a sustainable solution for the Transnistrian conflict, observing Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Osipov informed the EU official of the evolution of the talks held between Moldovan and Transnistrian authorities, emphasizing the main subjects on the bilateral working agenda, as well as the current political circumstances, which had reduce the intensity of this dialogue.  

The Moldovan deputy prime minister reiterated Moldovan authorities’ major interest in resuming the five-plus-two negotiations without any pre-conditions. He also touched upon the need to focus on the main issue during the talks and settle the Transnistrian conflict.

The sides exchanged views on cooperation prospects during Germany’s chairmanship of OSCE. In this context, Osipov praised the approval of a declaration on the Transnistrian conflict five-plus-two negotiations during the OSCE Ministerial Council held in Belgrade on 3-4 December 2015. According to him, it proves that the resolution of the Transnistrian conflict is still a priority on the OSCE agenda.

Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt reiterated his commitment to fully contribute to the Transnistrian conflict settlement, treating Moldova as an important partner. He added that Germany is openly backing Moldova on its EU integration path.

As for the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, the ambassador said it was very important that Moldovan authorities promote stability and inclusion in order to achieve a successful reintegration policy.  

The EU official also noted that Moldova’s political representative in the negotiations played a positive role in the organisation of the "Promoting confidence building measures in the Transnistrian conflict settlement" conference in November 2015. The German official voiced his willingness to continue the open dialogue he had already started with his Moldovan colleagues during the conference in Rottach-Egern, OSCE Ministerial Council in Belgrade and during his current visit to Chisinau.

Last but not least, the sides addressed the important need to consolidate the Moldovan government’s central institution in charge of reintegration policies, touching upon the investiture of a new cabinet, the Bureau for Reintegration has reported.

(Editor L. Alcaza)