The OSCE Ministerial Council that convened in Kiev adopted a statement on the Transnistrian conflict settlements talks in the 5+2 format. The document reasserts the OSCE member states’ determination to achieve progress to reach a comprehensive, equitable and viable solution to the Transnistrian conflict, based on the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and the working out of a special status for the region, which would guarantee the rights of the population, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the participating OSCE member states expressed their hope that the negotiations on the three thematic baskets, included in the agenda of the 5+2 format, will advance. The statement urges the parties involved in the negotiating process to intensify the efforts to promote the confidence-building measures and security and to refrain from unilateral actions that can undermine security in the region.

The sides are encouraged to continue the actions aimed at removing the obstacles to the free movement of people, goods and services. The mediators and observers at the talks are urged to build up the coordinated efforts and use their potential to achieve progress and identity a solution to the dispute.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman welcomed the Ministerial Council’s statement on the Transnistrian settlement, saying this document expresses the major interest of the 57 participating states in making progress in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process and reaching a solution by observing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova. In the closing session, the Moldovan delegation also saluted the adoption of the statement on the reaffirmation of the Helsinki +40 process and other relevant ministerial documents in the three work dimensions of the OSCE.