Moldovan authorities show openness for holding new round of five-plus-two talks

Chisinau, 18 January /MOLDPRES/ - The Moldovan authorities have showed openness to organize a new round of five-plus-two negotiations and maintain a positive dynamic in the Transnistrian process settlement. Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi today made statements to this effect following a meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Affairs Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak, on an official visit to Chisinau.    

At a news conference, the Moldovan official voiced confidence that, this year, an efficient cooperation would be developed to foster the dialogue within the political negotiations and advancement in the Transnistrian settlement process.

„At the meeting, we exchanged opinions on the Transnistrian settlement process and consolidation of the cooperation with OSCE. We want continuity in the negotiating process and identification of a viable solution in settling the conflict in the region and withdrawal of the Russian troops from the country’s territory. At the same time, we want to transform the present peacekeeping operation into a civil one, with international mandate. Also, it is necessary to carry out an international inspection of the depot for stocking ammunitions from Cobasna, which becomes a social and humanitarian danger both for Moldova and its neighbours. We also discussed the observance of human rights, democracy and rule of law state. Another aspect was the bilateral cooperation between Moldova and Slovakia. We also reiterated that our country remains committed to implementing the European agenda.” Tudor Ulianovschi said.  

For his part, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Miroslav Lajcak praised the progress made in the settlement process. “We welcome the government’s effort for the contribution brought for the results achieved and we want the achievements to continue. It is important that Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity be observed, with establishing a special status for the Transnistrian region. OSCE and Slovakia will provide every needed support to this end. We must be aware that solutions cannot be identified overnight; we will advance only with small steps. In the context of the parliamentary elections due this year, we convey the message that they will be crucial for the country’s future and it is extremely important that the ballot is free, transparent and in line with the international standards. OSCE and the European community will follow the pre-electoral and post-electoral process,” Miroslav Lajčák said.   

OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Affairs Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak  is on an official visit to Moldova on 17-19 January, during which he is to have discussions with Chisinau and Tiraspol officials.