O.S.C.E. Mission head hopes that Chisinau and Tiraspol will find solution to new customs regime through political negotiations

The implementation of the Joint Declaration of the Moldovan and Ukrainian premiers by Ukraine on March 3 has created a rigid political dispute between Chisinau and Tiraspol, but I hope that a solution will be found through political negotiations, the head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, William Hill, said on Thursday, March 30. Also, he noted that the new customs regime did not approach the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict for the time being, but it is premature to discuss the final results of these measures. The implementation of the new customs regime at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border is a legitimate measure and it complies with international standards, Hill added. According to Hill, OSCE Mission representatives visit the secessionist region in order to collect facts regarding the situation there. There is no economic blockade on Transnistria, Hill underlined, and Ukrainian customs officers held only a small quantity of commodities, while restrictions come from the Tiraspol administration. There are enough goods in shops and markets the breakaway region while prices did not change with small exceptions. He noted that some enterprises in the region do not function but at the indication of the Transnistrian authorities, not from economic reasons. Asked to comment the statements of some Ukrainian officials, who said that Ukraine wants to control the Transnistrian exports alone, without customs stamps and assistance of Moldova, Hill said that the Joint Declaration of the two premiers is working, while this issue shall be commented by representatives of Ukraine and Moldova. Hill underlined that the international practice includes such situations, but with some particularities. The OSCE Mission head announced that an informal group of experts is working to settle the Dorotcaia problem. He stressed that Moldova is about to reach its goal – to allow farmers to work their land. This problem may be solved this spring, Hill added.