Moldova's European integration and the socioeconomic reforms undertaken in connection with this process will approach the settlement of the Transnistria issue, stated Giedrius Čekuolis, OSCE CiO Special Representative for Protracted Conflicts, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo, {published on Thursday, 30 June 2011}. “I think that the attractiveness of western-side Moldova in general – the welfare of its citizens, the rule of law, the right of free movement across Europe and the European orientation of your country – will help to create conditions for the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict”, said the Lithuanian diplomat. Answering a question about what Chisinau has done right and what it could have done better in order to solve the conflict, the OSCE official highlighted, first of all, the tolerance of the Moldovan authorities and their painstaking efforts in settlong the conflict. “A great deal of work has been done to create secure conditions for the settlement: this includes the multiple agreements signed among Chisinau and Tiraspol, the registration of Transnistria-based companies, issuance of certificates of origin for the goods manufactured on the eastern side of the Nistru, the free movement of people on both banks, the continuing confidence-building efforts and many other things”, specified Giedrius Čekuolis. “I highly commend the 'football diplomacy' started by Prime Minister Vlad Filat and I hope that such measures will be continued in the near future”, he said. Among the issues that should be given priority, the Lithuanian diplomat mentioned identifying a final solution to the rail transit issue. “It is desirable to secure the passage of not only passenger trains, but also of freight trains through Transnistria. At a more general level, I think it is necessary to start considering a potential status for Transnistria which is based on international law and which is acceptable for the eastern-side population. I would also like to note that it necessary, as well, to start preparing society for potential far-reaching compromises”, said Giedrius Čekuolis, without specifying the nature of such compromises. As a participant in the informal 5+2 meeting which took place on June 21 in Moscow, the OSCE official said that its participants examined the possibility of resuming formal negotiations after a long break. “A decision in this respect hasn't been adopted yet. The meeting was suspended on a stopped-clock principle and will be resumed in Moscow without any further condition”, said Giedrius Čekuolis. He admitted that the results of the meeting didn't live up to what was expected. “Indeed, hopes were rather high that it would be possible to resume formal negotiations on the Transnistrian settlement already at this meeting in Moscow. But the meeting wasn't concluded and is to be continued in the near future. So hopes of resumption remain.”, stated Giedrius Čekuolis, OSCE CiO Special Representative for Protracted Conflicts, in an interview with Info-Prim Neo. Lithuania currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the OSCE.