Filat and Smirnov agree agenda of talks

Prime Minister Vlad Filat and the leader of the Transnistrian region Igor Smirnov set the agenda of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format that are to take place on November 30 – December 1. They also agreed a plan of the problems that are to be solved in the near future, Info-Prim Neo reports. “We spoke about the situation in the Security Zone and agreed to avoid the conflicts until we reach a compromise. We also discussed the restoration of the railway freight routes. There may be created groups of experts that will deal with customs-related matters. We also agreed to establish constructive communication between the law enforcement bodies in order to reduce criminality. We underlined the necessity of restoring the fixed-line telephone connection between the banks of the Nistru,” the Premier said after the meeting. After the discussions, Vlad Filat and Igor Smirnov visited the depot in Bender. The Premier said that cooperation in making freight cars is possible with the Transnistrian region. Vlad Filat said the Transnistrian administration’s head is not the most suitable negotiation partner, stressing that though he does not recognize the elections that will take place in the region in December, he will continue to discuss with anyone who will represent the region in the future. “We visited the Tighina fortress and conferred on the development of tourism. The greatest attention was yet devoted to the economic problems as the economic development is the most important for the population,” said Igor Smirnov, adding that in the meeting with Vlad Filat he felt readiness to work to resume the negotiations and improve the relations with the Transnistrian authorities. Vlad Filat met Igor Smirnov at the OSCE head office in Bender on November 21. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Eugen Carpov, Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmic and Deputy Minister of the Interior Iurie Cheptanaru. Vladimir Yastrebchyak and Vadim Krasnoselskii represented the Transnistrian side at the meeting.