Minister of Reintegration asks for OSCE support to resume train circulation at crossing point Valcinet – Moghilev-Podolski

Minister of Reintegration, Vasilii Sova asked for the support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to resume the train circulation at the crossing point Ocnita – Moghilev-Podolski between Moldova and Ukraine. Although the Ukrainian side plans to reopen the mentioned bridge on 29 September currently, till now the Moldovan Railways (CFM) were not announced by the Ukrainian side about the resumption of the railway circulation on this portion. During the meeting requested by the minister, from 24 October currently, with the head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Louis O’Neill, Sova stated that the Moldovan authorities are worried about the Russian side’s intention to suspend starting on November 1 passenger trains on Moscow-Chisinau route. In the context, the Moldovan Government’s position regarding the necessity of ensuring the train circulation on the basis of the bilateral agreements of Moldova, Ukraine and Russia, as well as on the basis of the multilateral commitments of the respective sides was reiterated. This position was also supported by the head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, informs a pres release of the Ministry of Reintegration. At a recent press conference, the minister of Transport and Road Administration, Miron Gagauz, stated that the passenger train, which circulates on Chisinau– Moscow-Chisinau route, could be annulled on 1 November currently. According to the minister, the Russian side insists on the circulation of this train through the Transnistrian region, as it is considered that the present circulation scheme, through the North of Moldova, leads to jeopardizing of the timetable of the Russia’s Railway. Chisinau authorities reject such a variant, stating that they can not ensure the security of the circulation through Transnistria, as they do not control the separatist territory.