Compared with 2019, the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol in 2020 was more active. The sector working groups held 26 meetings. The dialogue at the level of key negotiators was maintained, but a new official round of talks in the 5+2 format could not be convened, Deputy Prime Minster for Reintegration Olga Cebotari stated in an online press briefing where she presented the results achieved this year, IPN reports.

“In the negotiation process in the course of 2020, there were signed four documents that ensure continuity in the implementation of some of the earlier signed protocol decisions. For the first time, on my initiative, on November 12 we had an informal meeting with the Transnistrian leader to discuss and agree the approaches on topical subjects from the agenda of the talks,” stated Olga Cebotari.

She said a precarious situation during this pandemic year was generated by the checkpoints that were set up illegally and by the travel restrictions imposed by those from Tiraspol on the inhabitants from both sides of the Nistru. The restrictions were introduced on March 16 on the pretext of fighting the pandemic and were extended until February 1, 2021.

The official noted that among the priorities for the first half of 2021 are the organization of a new meeting of the key negotiators, stimulation and maintaining of interaction within all the working groups, creation of favorable conditions for the observers and mediators of the 5+2 format to visit the Republic of Moldova, maintaining of active dynamics in all the formats of negotiations and the problem of free movement.