Security situation focus of visit to Moldova by OSCE CiO Special Envoy and Special Representative

CHISINAU, 30 April 2022 – Following recent developments in Transdniestria, the Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador Artur Dmochowski and the Special Representative of the Polish OSCE Chairman-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, have concluded a two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova to convey the CiO's message of strong support for the stabilization of the situation in the country, peaceful, based on results-oriented dialogue solution of existing problems, and to assess the risks for the security situation in the region.

In Chisinau, the Special Envoy and Special Representative, together with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch, met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu and National Security Advisor Dorin Recean. In Tiraspol, they met with  Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The effects of the war waged by Russia in neighbouring Ukraine and the disturbing incidents that occurred in Transdniestria earlier this week were the focus of discussions at meetings in both locations. Ambassadors Dmochowski and Mayr-Harting strongly urged all parties to remain calm, show restraint and avoid any rhetoric or action that could undermine trust and stability on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River. 

The Special Envoy of the Chairman-in-Office underlined that he highly appreciates the efforts taken to support refugees by the Moldovan civil society, the government and local authorities.

"In this critical situation it is of the utmost importance that the OSCE-facilitated dialogue between the political representatives of both Sides continues and achieves tangible results," stressed the Special Representative of the Chairman-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.