Mediators and observers in Transdniestrian conflict meet in Madrid

MADRID, 25 May 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, issued the following statement today:

"At the initiative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, the mediators and observers who co-operate in the settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in Moldova met today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, four months after their first meeting this year and for the third time in this format.

"Participants exchanged views on the current situation, and future prospects. They called on both parties to resume talks, with their own presence as mediators and observers.

"I hope that the 5+2 format, which brings together the sides with mediators and Observers, can resume its work very soon," said Minister Moratinos.

"The meeting was headed by the Director General of Foreign Policy for Europe and North America, Jose Maria Pons, on behalf of Minister Moratinos. It was also attended by Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andriy Veselovsky, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, David Kramer, Ambassador at Large of the Russian Federation, Valery Nesterushkin, EU Special Representative, Dr. Kalman Mizsei, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Louis O'Neill."