Moldova consistently opts for full, unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory - foreign minister says

Chisinau, 7 December /MOLDPRES/- Moldova consistently opts for the full and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory and for the transformation of the current peacekeeping operation into a civilian mission with international mandate. Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovschi made the statement at OSCE annual ministerial meeting held in Milan, Italy, the MAEIE’s press service has reported.

According to Ulianovschi, these and other measures to build confidence and support the population effectively contribute to the rapprochement between the two banks of the Dniester and the creation of a favorable atmosphere for the final settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

In this context, Ulianovschi cited the UN General Assembly resolution "On full and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military forces from Moldova", pointing out the serious humanitarian and ecological hazards of the ammunition stocks from Cobasna.

The official thanked the 57 states for supporting adoption of declaration on negotiations in the 5+2 format, stipulating the firm determination to "contribute to the identification of a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable solution to this conflict, based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria.

In another context, Ulianovschi advocated for boosting efforts to regulate conflicts in the GUAM area, underlining the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of states within their internationally recognized borders. "The recent Russian-Ukrainian naval incident in the Kerch Strait proves once again how fragile peace and security are in this geographical area in which my country is located," he said.