Ukraine is interested in stepping up Transnistria settlement

Ukraine is interested in stepping up efforts for settling the Transnistria issue, in observance of the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Moldova, and pleads for the resumption of the five-plus-two talks, the extension of EUBAM mission’s mandate, and for the consolidation of regional security and stability. The statement was made by Konstantin Eliseev, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, at a meeting with Premier Vasile Tarlev, Info-Prim Neo reports, citing the Government’s press service. According to the cited source, among the subjects discussed at the meeting were the strengthening of Moldo-Ukrainian relations and the opportunity of establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries. Konstantin Eliseev expressed the firm decision of Ukraine to participate in implementing projects of strategic importance for both states in all the fields of common interest, like the energy sector, trans-border cooperation, European integration, and others. Premier Tarlev voiced his confidence that the results achieved during the current consultations would help to spur and deepen the bilateral cooperation. According to him, all the solutions for the promotion of common interests and for resolving the existent problems should take the form of a single comprehensive agreement accompanied by a fast-track implementation plan.