The Italian OSCE Chairmanship has appointed Claus Neukirch of Germany as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. He will also serve as the OSCE mediator in the Transnistrian Settlement Process, IPN reports.

Neukirch succeeds Michael Scanlan who completed his term as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova in August. “I am happy to be assuming this important post at this time of unprecedented progress in the Transnistrian Settlement Process. I look forward to working with all the participants of the 5+2 format to further nurture the output-based dynamic of the negotiation process, in keeping with the Mission’s mandate,” said Neukirch.

Previously, Neukirch served as the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Albania, Senior Political Advisor to the German OSCE Chairmanship, Deputy Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The core mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is to help achieve a lasting, comprehensive political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria within Moldova.

The mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is endorsed and renewed every year by all 57 OSCE participating States, including the Republic of Moldova.