OSCE Special Representative and Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova stress importance of continued regular, direct contacts on Transdniestrian settlement

CHISINAU, 5 September 2014 –Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Ambassador Radojko Bogojević and Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Ambassador Michael Scanlan today urged the need for continued regular, direct contacts between Chisinau and Tiraspol to make as much progress as possible on concrete issues that affect peoples’ lives on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River.

While regretting the postponement of the next round of the 5+2 talks, which were scheduled for 11-12 September in Vienna, Bogojević said he was encouraged by a clear commitment by both sides to continue dialogue.

“I see the need to move forward, on a basis of mutual trust and understanding, to address concrete issues that are currently on the table,” he said. “The time between the 5+2 talks should be an opportunity for both sides to reflect on the achievements so far and appreciate the importance of maintaining frequent contacts. This is a message I have conveyed on my previous trips to the region. I, myself, remain ready to support both sides in every way I can. It is my intention to travel to the region in the near future.”

Scanlan said that the OSCE Mission to Moldova would also continue to talk to both sides with a view to de-politicising some key issues.

“The Mission will work with the two chief negotiators on making as much progress as possible on such issues as the functioning of Moldovan-administered Latin-script schools and the question of legalization of diplomas from Transdniestria, the situation of farmers in the Dubasari region and questions related to telecommunications, thereby putting first the interests of school children, students, farmers and people on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River,” he said.

Bogojević and Scanlan emphasized that they will remain in close contact with all other partners in the 5+2 process.

The 5+2 talks bring together representatives of the sides, as well as of the mediators and observers – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the US and the EU.