Moscow in favor of resuming Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in 5+2 format

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigori Karasin assured Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Victor Osipov that Russia will continue to support the efforts to resume the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in 5+2 format, saying this is the task of Chisinau and Tiraspol, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communique from the Government. In a meeting with the Russian official, Victor Osipov said the international partners became more active, while their positions are now closer to Moldova's stance on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We have clear orders to continue the negotiation process and plead for resuming the official talks in the 5+2 format,” he stressed. A working plan should be formulated for the negotiators so that the process is not stopped owing to controversial issues. Victor Osipov underlined the necessity of solving a number of local problems with the Transnistrian side, including the facilitation of the Transnistrian companies' work, ensuring of the free movement of people, resumption of train routes via Transnistria, restoration of fixed-line telephone connection. Grigori Karasin approved of the Moldova Government's handling of the Transnistrian conflict. According to him, it is very important that the situation did not become worse. “This uncertain situation cannot last for ever. We must move on,” he said.