The settlement of the Transnistrian conflict depends not on Russia. The greatest responsibility is borne by the sides, i.e. Moldova and the Transnistrian region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a news conference given after a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman in Moscow, IPN reports.

The Russian minister said the unilateral actions should be avoided as they hamper the negotiation process and the resolution of the dispute.

Sergey Lavrov said that Russia wants the Transnistrian conflict to be resolved as soon as possible and it will pull out its munitions from the region only if all the aspects of the settlement are agreed. The Russian Federation is for settling the dispute by respecting the sovereignty of Moldova.

The Russia official expressed his confidence that the conflict can be settled, by dialogue, without threats and restrictions as it is a matter concerning the future life of the Moldovan citizens.

Natalia Gherman said that the discussions in the meeting with Sergey Lavrov focused on the bilateral relations. According to her, the sooner the special political status of the Transnistrian region is agreed in the 5+2 format of the talks, the quicker will be found a model for solving all the problems so as to improve the life of the citizens from both banks of the Nistru.

Natalia Gherman also said that they discussed the peacekeeping mission in the Security Zone, adding there are a series of technical aspects that are yet to be debated.

On July 24, Natalia Gherman paid a working visit to Moscow at the invitation of her Russian counterpart.