OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes continued dynamics in 5+2 negotiations, calls for more trust

KYIV, 25 November 2013 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara addressed the official round of negotiations on the Transdniestrian settlement process in the 5+2 format, that started today in the Ukrainian capital.

“I welcome the continued active dynamics of the 5+2 negotiation process, the resumption of the direct dialogue between the leadership in Chisinau and Tiraspol, and the practical solutions reached for the benefit of the population on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru river,” said Kozhara.

On behalf of the Chairmanship he welcomed the decision of the Moldovan side to introduce legislative amendments which create conditions for the free movement of people living on the left bank through the territory of Moldova, including citizens of Ukraine and Russia who permanently reside in the region.

Kozhara called on the sides to refrain from steps which could undermine the situation in the region, and to remove the obstacles to the freedom of movement of the members of the OSCE Mission to Moldova so that it could fully implement its mandate.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office expressed hope that the sides would continue their mutual rapprochement with the aim to reach compromise solutions on issues that are of mutual interest and are important to the population. «I expect the sides to work together to strengthen trust and security in the region,» said Kozhara and stressed that the 5+2 negotiation format is a key instrument to solve the existing problems and to arrive to a comprehensive settlement.

«As a mediator in the negotiation process and as a guarantor of the settlement, Ukraine will continue its active efforts with the aim of reaching progress in the Transdniestrian settlement, as well as strengthening security and stability in the region,» stressed Kozhara.

This two-day round of official talks is the last under the current Ukrainian Chairmanship of the OSCE. The Permanent Conference on Political Issues in the Framework of the Negotiating Process for Transdniestrian Settlement (the 5+2 format) brings together representatives of the sides, mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian settlement process – Moldova and Transdniestria, along with Ukraine, OSCE, Russian Federation, EU and the USA.