OSCE Special Envoy to hold talks with leaders in Moldova as part of Transdniestrian settlement

HELSINKI, 21 July 2008 - The Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie, is in Moldova today to hold talks with President Vladimir Voronin. A meeting with Transdnistrian leader Igor Smirnov has been requested.

The other two co-mediators - the Russian Federation and Ukraine - in the settlement process will participate in the talks along with the European Union and the United States, both of which have observer status.

"We plan to put at the disposal of the sides the full potential of the 3+2 format," Talvitie said. "My counterparts and I, as well as the OSCE Mission to Moldova, will help and support confidence- and trust-building initiatives. This remains the only sustainable solution towards building genuine and productive dialogue."

The 21-23 July visit of the permanent representatives of the 3+2 format is set to include visits to both Chisinau and Tiraspol. It aims to enhance confidence and trust between the sides.

"We will reiterate our support for matters that benefit and interest both sides. The Finnish Chairmanship will continue to work for a Transdniestrian settlement," Talvitie said.