OSCE Special Representative Bogojević, in Moldova, says regional developments should not impact Transdniestrian talks

CHISINAU, 27 March 2014 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Ambassador Radojko Bogojević, concluding his visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol today, stressed that developments in the region should not impact the 5+2 talks on the Transdniestrian settlement.

During the three-day visit, Bogojević met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Chief Negotiator Eugen Carpov and Deputy Foreign Minister Valeriu Chiveri, Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Nina Shtanski, civil society representatives and members of the diplomatic community.

The visit was conducted in preparation for the next round of the 5+2 talks on Transdniestrian settlement scheduled to take place in Vienna on 10-11 April.

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

“As we approach the next round of the 5+2 talks, I want to express my hope that the recent developments in the region will not affect the negotiations, and the sides will continue to be committed to constructive interaction,” Bogojević stressed.

Among key topics discussed were freedom of movement, education, economy and access for farmers to their lands. Bogojević stressed the need for all sides involved to demonstrate flexibility in addressing these issues.

“We hope that the next meeting of the chief negotiators that will take place in Chisinau on 1 April will provide an opportunity to make concrete progress in these areas,” Bogojevic said.

Bogojević was appointed by the Swiss OSCE Chairperson-in-Office as his Special Representative for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and will hold this position throughout the consecutive Swiss and Serbian Chairmanships in 2014-2015.