OSCE Special Representative says talks on Transnistrian settlement process should be resumed as soon as possible

Chisinau, 17 February /MOLDPRES/-Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Cord Meier-Klodt today told a news conference that the talks in the one-plus-one, three-plus-two and five-plus-two formats should be resumed as soon as possible.

According to the official, after meetings with leaders from Chisinau and Tiraspol, several working groups are to be set up, due to prepare the agenda of meetings in the one-plus-one, three-plus-two and five-plus-two formats.

“A solution to settle the Transnistrian conflict can be found only if there is a common will on behalf of both sides, and the authorities reach a compromise. If we refer to the five plus two format meetings, they represent a platform of political talks. Therefore, I insist much on consistency, I do not think it is the case to convene a meeting in this format, without getting certain smaller but real results within the bilateral meetings”, he said.

The official reiterated that one of Moldova’s priorities represented the resumption of the five-plus-two negotiations, including via working meetings at the level of chief negotiators and sectoral working groups to strengthen the confidence building measures.

“We expect the working groups meet in the near future, in order to set the basic priorities of the meetings, and then three-plus -two talks will be held, in order to outline the main issues of the next political dialogue. Five-plus-two negotiations will follow afterwards. I hope we can achieve this plan till next summer," he added.

Cord Meier-Klodt pays a visit to Moldova on 14-17 February. Within the visit, he discussed with Chisinau and Tiraspol officials possible development ways in Transnistrian settlement.

(Reporter A. Plitoc, editor A. Răileanu)