The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen said that in her capacity as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, she is committed to advancing the Transnistrian settlement process. The OSCE will also focus on supporting dialogue and trust between the parties. Valtonen expressed confidence that the parties are able to identify short and long-term solutions to the energy crisis. The statements were made at a news conference held together with Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, IPN reports.
"Finland supports a complex settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in all aspects, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and the well-being of the population within the internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transnistria," said Elina Valtonen.
On an official visit to the Republic of Moldova, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office is due to have a meeting with the Transnistrian administration – the leader Vadim Kransnoselski and the so-called foreign minister Vitali Ignatiev. According to the Finnish minister, among the topics that will be raised are the energy situation and the Transnistrian settlement process, which in her opinion, must be a peaceful one.
"It is a situation that requires a long, peaceful solution for the people. This solution will also benefit peace and stability in Europe in general. Respectively, we will make every effort in this process. We trust the parties to identify the short and long-term solution in terms of guaranteeing this fundamental right – energy," said Elina Valtonen. According to her, if necessary, the OSCE will get involved in mediating this issue.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that today's discussions referred to regional security, including the Transnistrian file, as well as cooperation within the OSCE. "All the efforts of the official Chisinau regarding the Transnistrian file are aimed at maintaining a calm and peaceful situation on both banks of the Nistru, including avoiding a humanitarian crisis," noted the official.
Mihai Popșoi said that the war in Ukraine and its consequences equally affect the population on both banks of the Nistru and, obviously, the discussions center on solving humanitarian problems for the population of the Republic of Moldova, regardless of the region or locality.
"Although the dialogue is not an easy one, and the problems are often artificially politicized, our firm position remains to solve the Transnistrian conflict only by peaceful means, through political dialogue and in compliance with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and within its internationally recognized borders," stated the minister.
In his opinion, it is important to continue the dialogue in the "1+1" format at the level of political negotiators so as to solve the problems that are on the agenda. The OSCE, through its mission in the Republic of Moldova, also facilitates this dialogue. "I am sure that the advancement on the path of European integration of the Republic of Moldova will positively influence the reintegration of our country," said Mihai Popșoi.
"Likewise, we are convinced that the completion of the unconditional withdrawal from the Republic of Moldova of the Russian military troops and ammunition stockpiles located illegally, without the consent of the host country, will give a positive impetus to the country's reintegration," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
