All the achievements in 2018, in particular in the Transdniestrian settlement process, benefit the people on both banks of the Nistru: farmers, students, teachers, pupils, parents. They also have helped to build trust between both sides. And they help to build the final settlement from below, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Claus Neukirch stated at the OSCE Christmas Reception on 12 December 2018. “ Hence, I would say we are on a good track with the small step approach,” he noted, taking stock of the major achievements in the Transdniestrian settlement process in 2018, IPN reports.
Claus Neukirch said the famous package of eight is almost completed. The agreements on license plates, Latin Script Schools, the Dubasari farmland, the Gura Bicului - Bychok Bridge and the apostilization action of university diplomas have been largely implemented. On telecommunication substantial progress has been made the past weeks and this issue is closed to being solved, too.
“I am very glad that the Foreign Ministers of the 57 OSCE participating States have acknowledged this progress in a Ministerial statement last week in Milano. This statement explicitly applauds the commitment, leadership and political will of both Sides. But let me add here that leadership always needs support to produce results. In this case, I think it is important that we recognize the tireless efforts of the two Political Representatives and their teams,” noted the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
Claus Neukirch thanked the entire staff of the Mission for their dedication and hard work and also the Italian Chairmanship for the excellent co-operation witnessed this year. ”One of the areas where both Italy and the Mission invested a lot of work and also money are the Joint Vehicle Registration Offices. I am happy to announce that as of today over 1,400 (note, as of 11.12.2018) vehicles from Transdniestria have received neutral-design licence plates and can participate in international traffic. The online registration for appointments is fully booked until September 2019,” stated the official.
He noted also that pupils and teachers can move freely to the eight Latin Script Schools in Transdniestria, that over 90% of the Dubasari farmlands have been returned to their rightful owners and that almost 200 graduates from the University in Tiraspol can study abroad thanks to the apostilization of their diploma. “And whoever travels as often to Tiraspol as we do will certainly appreciate the opening of the Guru Bicului Bychok Bridge. On telecommunication we have now the legal framework in place which opens the way to settle this issue, too... There is still work to be done. We know that and we recognize this. But we also believe that we can achieve more results if we continue with the same spirit in 2019,” said Claus Neukirch.
He also said that progress was seen in other areas, in particular on Holocaust remembrance. The first step to opening a Jewish History Museum in Chisinau has been done, optional course on Holocaust remembrance has been developed, and capacities have been increased. ”Also here we are on a good track. Further building an inclusive and tolerant society will benefit Moldova, will benefit the entire society and will help the settlement process. The OSCE Mission stands ready to support you in tackling the challenges in 2019. We are looking forward to work with the Slovak OSCE Chairmanship in 2019 and with all of our friends and partners from the international community, civil society, Chisinau and Tiraspol,” stated Claus Neukirch.
