Upcoming Transdniestrian talks would send a positive signal about potential for decreasing tensions, says OSCE Special Representative Bogojević

CHISINAU, 29 August 2014 - The holding of the upcoming 5+2 talks would send a positive signal on the prospects of reducing  tensions, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Ambassador Radojko Bogojević said today as he concluded his visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol.

During the three-day visit, Bogojević met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Chief Negotiator Eugen Carpov and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Nina Shtanski as well as members of the diplomatic community.

“Despite any political developments related to Ukraine, we trust that these won’t significantly affect the substance, course or the agenda in the planned upcoming 5+2 negotiations and we hope that all sides in the process will show a constructive approach,” Bogojević said. The next round of Transdniestrian settlement talks in the 5+2 format is scheduled, and pending final confirmation of all participants, to take place in Vienna on 11-12 September.

Bogojević emphasized the importance of frequent contacts and encouraged the two chief negotiators to make as much progress as possible on a number of issues currently on the table that would have tangible positive impact on the lives of people on both sides of the Dniestr/Nistru.

Among the key topics discussed in the meetings were the Moldovan-administered Latin-script schools, economic cooperation, criminal cases against Transdniestrian officials by Moldovan law-enforcement bodies and freedom of movement issues.

During his visit Bogojević was accompanied by Ambassador Michael Scanlan, who took up his position as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 1 August.