OSCE Chairman urges Transdniestrian authorities to re-engage in political dialogue with Chisinau

TIRASPOL, 1 June 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, today urged the Transdniestrian authorities to take a constructive approach and accept without any preconditions a proposal to renew negotiations with Chisinau within the 5+2 format.

"The Moldovan authorities have recently proposed to renew active contacts within the framework of the negotiations," he said during a visit to Tiraspol. "Such contacts could provide an opportunity to discuss in a constructive way all issues that both sides desire. I strongly support this proposal and I urge you to accept it without any preconditions."

During talks with Transdniestrian leader Igor Smirnov and other officials, the Chairman-in-Office reiterated that the basic position of the OSCE on the Transdniestrian question remained unchanged. A peaceful settlement should be reached, respecting the territorial integrity of Moldova and providing for a special status for Transdniestria within Moldova.

The first results of the new European Union Border Assistance Mission system on the Moldova-Ukraine border were another focus of the discussion. Minister De Gucht said they were very positive and helped achieve greater transparency and control.

"There is no going back to the old system," he said. "We cannot change the basic rules for international trade. I urge you to negotiate on specific terms for conducting foreign trade by Transdniestrian firms. I call on the Moldovan authorities to be flexible in this respect."

The Chairman-in-Office called on Transdniestria not to obstruct the fulfillment by Russia of its Istanbul commitments for the withdrawal of its military forces from Moldova.

Minister De Gucht also noted it was important to begin a serious discussion on the transformation of the peacekeeping operation in Moldova. "Transforming the peacekeeping operation into an internationally mandated and recognized operation could enhance security and stability for both Tiraspol and Chisinau."

The Chairman-in-Office called on the Transdniestrian authrorities to make a greater effort to accept and implement OSCE and Council of Europe standards for human rights and democracy. "I call upon the authorities in Tiraspol to allow political opposition and to respect basic human rights. The unconditional release of Andrei Ivantsoc and Tudor Petrov-Popa would be an important signal in this respect."