The Transnistrian settlement process in 2019-2020 didn’t make the expected headway. A meeting in the 5+2 format was held in Bratislava in 2019, but this didn’t end with the adoption of a statement, while in 2020 the process was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political developments in the Republic of Moldova. Even so, the Sides are determined to further become involved so as to improve the people’s lives and to take measures to build confidence on both sides of the Nistru River, the Special Representative of the Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting stated in a news conference held at the end of his visit to Moldova, IPN reports.

Ambassador Mayr-Harting noted that in Moldova he had meetings with senior officials and representatives of political parties and also with representatives of Tiraspol, mediators and observers to the 5+2 format talks. The visit took place in a context in which a number of improvements have been witnessed. He expressed his contentment that the dialogue between the chief negotiators was resumed, as were the meetings of the workings groups that hadn’t met for a long period of time.

The fact that there is determination for involvement and taking of measures strengthens the conviction that progress will be made in the course of this year. Thomas Mayr-Harting noted he realizes that the internal political processes continue, but the Sides should realize the importance of this issue. “The Sides can bank on my commitment and on the commitment of the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship. I think the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship will devote increased attention to this subject,” said the official, noting that the objective of this process is to reach a solution that would respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for the Transnistrian region.