Andrei Stratan: Current peacekeeping mechanics has become a problem, not a solution to Transnistria settlement

The Republic of Moldova considers that the current peacekeeping mechanism has become part of the problem and not a solution to the settlement of the Transnistrian dispute, therefore it must be revised, Andrei Stratan, Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European integration, told a news conference today. There is an urgent need for replacing the current peacekeeping troops by a civil multinational contingent, mandated by the OSCE, the head of the Moldovan diplomacy said. Moldova continues to stand firm for an immediate, complete and unconditioned withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunitions from the Moldovan soil, the minister pointed out. At the same time, Andrei Stratan expressed Chisinau’s regret vis-a-vis Russia’s pullout of the CFE Treaty. He went on to welcome the extension of the EUBAM’s mandate until 1 December 2008. Speaking about the meeting between the mediators and negotiators in the three-plus-two format, held in Vienna on October 11 to discuss solutions for the resumption of five-plus-two talks, Andrei Stratan said he hoped that the informal meeting, to take place on October 22 and 23, would further prospects for a peaceful settlement.