OSCE CiO says Moldova peacekeeping still in exploratory phase

THE HAGUE, 17 July 2003 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO), Netherlands Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has labelled as "premature" recent reports in the media about the character and composition of a possible future peace consolidation mission in Moldova.

"Recent press reports stating that the Netherlands OSCE CiO has requested the EU to send peacekeeping troops to Moldova misrepresent the current state of affairs with regard to the political settlement process in Moldova," said Minister de Hoop Scheffer.

"First and foremost, the Chairmanship's efforts focus on reaching a political settlement. Meanwhile, the Netherlands as OSCE CiO is sounding out options for strengthening the implementation of a political settlement through an OSCE-mandated peace consolidation operation comprising both a (limited) military and civilian component."

Minister de Hoop Scheffer added that the Netherlands Chairmanship has conducted initial consultations with interested parties. "These consultations suggest that a multinational mission under supervision of the OSCE could be needed during a transitional period as agreed upon by the parties in order to support peace and stability in Moldova".

"During this exploratory phase various options for a possible peace consolidation force are under review," the OSCE Chairman added, stressing that in this process the CiO's primary focus is on reaching consensus within the OSCE.