The Special Representative of the German OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian Settlement Process Cord Meier-Klodt considers the time is now opportune for resuming the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format, while the success stories in the resolution of the dispute definitely represent a priority for the German OSCE Chairmanship. The official made the statements after a meeting with Head of Parliament Andrian Candu, IPN reports.

Cord Meier-Klodt said that all the interested sides must take part in the negotiation process, noting that he already paid visits to Moscow, Washington and Brussels to stimulate the resumption of talks.

The official stated he does not expect that a conflict that is 23 years long can be settled in several months, but progress can be made in the negotiation process for the benefit of the people from both sides of the Nistru River, not for the process itself. “It is about trade between people, which should not be limited and should go in all the directions, and about transport, about free movement and about education, regardless of the script,” said Cord Meier-Klodt.

For his part, Speaker Andrian Candu said that they discussed the ideas and initiatives that can be implemented during the German OSCE Chairmanship in the Transnistrian settlement process. He voiced hope that progress in the discussions with the Transnistrian side will be made this spring and the discussions in the 1+1 and 5+2 format will be resumed. “We consider the current regional and global context can help us achieve a success story in the identification of solutions to the Transnistrian conflict,” he stated.

The Head of Parliament noted that the initial discussions with the Transnistrian side could center on such subjects as the activity of local companies, license numbers for vehicles, telecommunications, diplomas and criminal cases. Discussions about strategies for settling the conflict could be held afterward.