“I am confident that the Republic of Moldova has good chances of settling the Transnistrian conflict. The combination of all existing circumstances, both internal and international, allow me to draw this conclusion”, stated Giedrius Čekuolis, OSCE CiO Special Representative for Protracted Conflicts, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo, {published on Thursday, 30 June 2011}. “A favorable atmosphere has actually emerged lately, which is beneficial for the activity of the 5+2 format. This is, first of all, due to the determination and competence of the current pro-European government of the Republic of Moldova, due to the confidence-building measures between the two sides of the Nistru River, and the willingness of the Transnistrian authorities to solve the accumulated problems. But most important are the international factors involved. First and foremost, this is Germany's willingness to contribute to the settlement of the Transnistrian issue. In this context, one year ago the Meseberg Memorandum was signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This Memorandum provides, among other, for cooperation between the EU and Russian in the settlement of the Transnistrian issue”, said the OSCE official. Giedrius Čekuolis doesn't share the opinion of some politicians and experts who say that the key to the Transnistrian conflict is in the hands of one particular state. “The settlement of the Transnistrian conflict depends on many different factors and all the 5+2 stakeholders are very important in their own special ways. Moscow's role cannot be overestimated, and the role of Ukraine as a neighboring state is also great, especially in securing the existing customs regime along the border. The European Union and the United States play an essential role in promoting reforms and democratic changes in Moldova. The OSCE, for its part, offers a platform for talks”, said Giedrius Čekuolis. The Lithuanian diplomat suggested that the surest way to solve the conflict is related to Moldova's efforts to join European structures. “Our country lived a very difficult situation before World War II, when our capital Vilnius and Klaipeda region were taken from us. But I think our situation then and the Transnistrian settlement are rather different in many respects. Let me just note that today Lithuania is a EU and NATO member and this speaks for itself. I can assure you that Lithuania fully supports the European aspirations of your country, and this is exactly the perspective from which we see the key to the current problems of Moldova, including the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict”, stated Giedrius Čekuolis, OSCE CiO Special Representative for Protracted Conflicts, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo. In 2011, the rotating chairmanship of the OSCE is held by Lithuania.