Mediators and observers agree to work towards earliest resumption of Transdniestrian settlement talks, says OSCE Special Envoy

HELSINKI, 10 June 2008 - Representatives of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the OSCE, the EU and the United States met today in Helsinki to discuss Transdniestrian settlement issues and agreed to push for a restart of talks including both sides.

The representatives examined the Confidence- and Security-Building Measures between Chisinau and Tiraspol, in particular the working group efforts which could be implemented in the foreseeable future.

"Constructive progress in the working groups would improve the lives of people on both sides of the Dniestr/Nistru River," said Ambassador Heikki Talvitie, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

The meeting, held at the initiative of the Special Envoy, was in the 3+2 format, which included mediators Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE, with the EU and the US participating as observers.

"We also agreed to work towards the earliest resumption of 5+2 settlement talks with the authorities in Tiraspol and the Moldovan government," he added.