DUBLIN, 30 November 2012 – The latest round of talks on the Transdniestrian settlement concluded today in Dublin. During the three-day meeting, the participants reviewed progress achieved this year under the Irish OSCE Chairmanship.

The meeting was opened by Lucinda Creighton, Irish Minister for European Affairs representing the OSCE Chair-in-Office.

“We have been encouraged by the progress achieved in the Transdniestrian settlement process, particularly during the earlier part of this year. Whether it is in the context of the 5+2 process or on a bilateral level between the sides, the agreements reached have established an important level of trust and confidence,” said Creighton.

Ambassador Erwan Fouéré, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian settlement process, chaired the meeting.

“As we mark the first anniversary of the resumption of the official negotiations we welcome the high level of interaction of the sides that resulted in an agreement on the ground rules for these negotiations, as well as the important role that can be played by the civil society and the media on both sides of the river,” said Fouéré.

“We have also witnessed an excellent rapport between the leaders that led to the resumption of rail services and agreements in other areas,” he added, also welcoming the good working relationship between the chief negotiators and the fact that the working groups are dealing with important technical issues.

During the meeting considerable time was devoted to issues related to freedom of movement, especially with regard to re-opening the Gura-Bicului bridge.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Jennifer Brush, urged the sides to consider the recommendation made by experts on law enforcement and disaster preparedness issues. “These proposals have been with them since July and include creating an anti-crime taskforce and basic preparedness for emergencies. Resolution of these issues will benefit people on both sides of the river,” said Brush.

She also presented to the participants a recent report on education which the Mission prepared together with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities.

On behalf of the incoming Ukrainian OSCE Chairmanship Ambassador Andrii Deshchytsia announced that the next official 5+2 meeting will take place in the second half of February in Lviv, Ukraine.

The 5+2 format includes representatives of the sides, mediators and observers in the negotiation process – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the US and the EU.