Latest round of Transdniestrian settlement talks concludes in Vienna

VIENNA, 17 July 2013 – The latest round of 5+2 talks in the Transdniestrian settlement process, chaired by the OSCE Chairperson’s Special Representative for conflicts Ambassador Andrii Deshchytsia, concluded in Vienna today.

"We have discussed a range of issues, including freedom of movement, modalities for dismantling the Rybnitsa-Rezina cable car, environmental and economic issues, co-operation between law enforcement structures and education," said Deshchytsia.

A protocol decision regarding the draft joint action plan on environmental issues and sustainable use of natural resources was agreed and signed at the round. The joint action plan, which includes legislative co-operation, monitoring and issues related to fisheries, is being developed at the Working Group level with the support of the OSCE.

"I am pleased the sides are working on furthering environmental co-operation and I look forward to agreement at the expert level in the coming weeks."

"It is important to maintain regular dialogue between the sides at all levels between the rounds of 5+2 talks so that we can keep moving forward on the agenda," Deshchytsia added.

Participants included the Moldovan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiators Eugen Carpov and Nina Shtanski, as well as representatives of the mediators and observers. The 5+2 format includes representatives of the sides, mediators and observers in the negotiation process – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the US and the EU.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 3 October.

This round of talks took place in the premises of the Austrian Foreign Ministry by the kind hospitality of Austrian Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Michael Spindelegger.