Premier sets out Transnistrian issue priorities for 2012

The reopening of the Transnistrian conflict settlement talks in the 5+2 format that were suspended in 2006 is the accomplishment of 2011 in the process of reunifying the country, Prime Minister Vlad Filat told a news conference. He said Moldova maintains that the foreign military presence should be pulled out from the country’s territory unconditionally and that the current peacekeeping mission should be replaced by an internationally-mandated civil mission, Info-Prim Neo reports. The official reminded that the governmental commission for the country’s reintegration was set up last year. Throughout 2011, effort was made to integrate the Transnistrian economic entities into the national economic system. This led to an increase in exports and imports in the region and in the companies’ economic performance. The Premier said the strategic tasks for 2012 in this area of activity include finalizing and approving the strategy for reintegrating Moldova, promoting the status of the EU and the U.S. in the negotiation process, eliminating the obstacles hindering the free movement of persons, goods and services, extending the mechanisms for protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Transnistrian region, and strengthening the measures aimed at building confidence between the banks of the Nistru, including by using the assistance of €12 million provided by the EU.