The implementation of the ‘Berlin-plus’ package can serve a solid basis for starting an exchange of views on political aspects of a final settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict, says a press release issued by the OSCE Mission in Chisinau following the conclusion of the second official visit to the Republic of Moldova by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde. The European official said she had been encouraged by the Sides’ interest and willingness to advance the Transdniestrian Settlement, IPN reports.
The talks the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office had with officials on both sides of the Dniester focused on the current state of affairs in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and identifying concrete steps to further build trust and constructive dialogue between the Sides to move the Settlement Process forward at all levels. She affirmed the Chair’s full support to facilitating dialogue between the Sides and supporting the Sides in advancing a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in all its aspects, strengthening the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders with a special status for Transdniestria.
“My meetings in Chisinau and Bender have reinforced my conviction that it is possible to achieve tangible results in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process if the Sides continue to engage constructively,” she said.
The visit also reaffirms the Chairpersonship’s support for OSCE engagement in the country, through the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Thomas Mayr-Harting, who accompanied the Chairperson on her visit.
According to the press release, Linde underlined the importance of achieving the full and continuous implementation of the ‘Berlin-plus’ package and to develop joint proposals on further confidence-building measures that will serve a solid basis for further advancing the Settlement Process, including starting an exchange of views on political aspects of a final settlement. Moreover, she reiterated the need of keeping women, peace and security as well as gender equality high on the agenda in this context.
“The Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to call a result-oriented ‘5+2’ meeting in Stockholm this year,” Linde said.
The Chairperson-in-Office also met with civil society representatives from both banks of the river to discuss conflict resolution, human rights, anti-corruption and the women, peace and security agenda.
