U.S. statement: January 1 incident highlights need for demilitarization of security zone

The United States urges the Russian and Moldovan authorities to take steps to avoid increases in tension and to jointly conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting incident that occurred on January 1 in the security zone. In a statement released to Info-Prim Neo Agency, the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau says this incident highlights the need for demilitarization of the security zone to avoid similar occurrences in the future. “We join the European Union in confirming our readiness to participate actively in discussions on the demilitarization of the region and the corresponding transformation of the current peacekeeping operations on the Nistru into a mission under the auspices of the OSCE in the context of the Transnistrian conflict settlement,” reads the statement. The United States expresses its deep regret over the shooting incident and its condolences for the tragic death of Vadim Pisari.