The Transnistrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format could not be held after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. In these conditions, the Moldovan authorities should continue the discussions with Tiraspol in other existing formats, such as the 1+1 format, outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and minister of foreign affairs and European integration Nicu Popescu stated after a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani. The foreign official is paying a working visit to Moldova in connection with the holding of the OSCE Chairmanship by North Macedonia, IPN reports.
“In the current conditions influenced by the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine, the Transnistrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format evidently are not possible. But we are making every effort to continue the dialogue with the separatist authorities from the left side of the Nistru in the common interest of all those who are on the territory of our country so as to maintain peace and stability,” said Nicu Popescu.
According to him, even if the dialogue in the 5+2 format cannot continue, the Moldovan authorities are doing their best to maintain the dialogue and stability on the country’s territory. “Today I reaffirmed again the Republic of Moldova’s clear and firm commitment to our objectives at foreign and domestic levels – to peacefully reintegrate our country through dialogue, negotiations, diplomacy. We aim to reach the state when the Republic of Moldova will regain sovereignty and territorial integrity extensively,” noted the Moldovan official.
He also said that the obtaining of the withdrawal of the Russian troops and ammunition from Moldova’s territory by exclusively peaceful ways is another objective.
For his part, Bujar Osmani said that his visit is a clear signal that the OSCE Chairmanship supports the Republic of Moldova, which faces multiple challenges. “We know that the aggression against Ukraine generated specific challenges in the Transnistrian settlement process. This vital process is a clear priority for our Chairmanship. Our goal is to peacefully, sustainably and extensively resolve the Transnistrian dispute. Any solution should be based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria,” stated the North Macedonian official.
According to him, even if the work in the 5+2 format was suspended, this remains the only mutually agreed negotiation format. “We will support any efforts that will ensure positive dynamics in support of the implementation of the already agreed measures and for identifying new measures. Moreover, we believe we need to continue the discussions between the chief negotiators,” noted Bujar Osmani.
