The Transnistrian region cannot hamper the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said in a news conference held after a meeting with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, IPN reports.

The European official said the settlement of the long-lasting Transnistrian conflict will become an important step towards strengthening the stability and prosperity in the region. “The European Union supports the 5+2 format of the talks. We need a comprehensive solution as the current status quo is not a solution. A new framework for resolving the dispute must be worked out,” he stated.

Herman Van Rompuy noted that the Association Agreement will become a major instrument for encouraging and supporting Moldova’s transformation into a modern and democratic state. “It is very important that the multicultural society of Moldova understands this message. This accord will no way change your identity. On the contrary, it will add new opportunities to this identity, which Moldova can use in continuation for the social-economic development and for the welfare of its people,” he said.

The President of the European Council has come to Moldova for the second time. On May 13, Herman Van Rompuy paid a visit to Chisinau, where he met with Moldovan leaders and gave a public speech.