EU bears responsibility for identifying solution to Transnistrian conflict, German Chancellor

The European Union bears responsibility for identifying a solution to the Transnistrian conflict, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a meeting with Prime Minister Vlad Filat, who is in Germany on an official visit, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a communiqué from the Government of Moldova, the interlocutors discussed the bilateral Moldovan-German relations, underlining that they develop at political, economic, investment and cultural levels. They also spoke about the steps taken by Moldova on the path to European integration and the short and medium-term development prospects. The German official said Moldova’s destiny is marked by the Transnistrian conflict to which a solution has not been yet found. “We understand Moldova’s situation as Germany was also affected by division. We are glad that the official talks in the 5+2 format will be resumed in June,” said Angela Merkel. She stated that in the discussions with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev she pleaded for the acceleration of the process of identifying a solution that would lead to Moldova’s reunification. Speaking about the Eastern Partnership, Angela Merkel said the Polish presidency of the EU will hold a summit of the Eastern Partnership at end September and Germany will make everything possible for Moldova to be included in the agenda. Or his part, Prime Minister Vlad Filat said that Germany provides significant assistance for Moldova to come closer to the EU. He also said that Moldova is taking steps to fulfill all the obligations towards the foreign partners and is making effort to benefit from all the advantages provided by the Eastern Partnership. The meeting with Angela Merkel was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca and Deputy Prime Minister responsible for reintegration Eugen Carpov as well as by Moldova’s Ambassador to Germany Aureliu Ciocoi.