Statement by the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process

CHISINAU/VIENNA, 21 June 2023 - The Special Representative of the North Macedonia OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, welcomed yesterday’s meeting in Bender in the “1+1” format between the Moldovan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiators, Oleg Serebrian and Vitaly Ignatiev.

“At a time when the ongoing war has greatly affected our work in the settlement process, dialogue and engagement between the Sides contribute to stability. This remains essential in the interest of the people living on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River,” the Special Representative said.

He added that yesterday’s meeting “also represents a positive development in the overall context of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process in its established format”.

During the meeting, facilitated by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, the Chief Negotiators discussed issues including the freedom of movement and human rights, as well as access to the Dubasari farmlands, vehicle registration and the importation of medical equipment to Transdniestria. The meeting was also attended by representatives of mediators and observers of the “5+2” format.

“It is very important that efforts in the interest of dialogue between the Sides are pursued proactively and progress,” Ambassador Mayr-Harting insisted. “I will continue to support the indispensable work of the OSCE Mission to Moldova in this regard and will also continue to engage with the Sides, as well as with the other mediators and the observers with this goal in mind.”