Visit of Special Representative of Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office prepares ground for visit of mediators and observers

CHISINAU, 25 May 2021 — The Special Representative of the Swedish OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Thomas Mayr-Harting, has concluded a three-day official visit to Moldova today. During the visit, he reviewed the current state of affairs in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and stressed the need to advance this process, as well as prepared the ground for the visit of the mediators and observers to the Republic of Moldova next week.

“The constructive dialogue should continue to find practical solutions to outstanding issues and address issues of immediate concern of both Sides in a timely manner and in the spirit of confidence-building for the benefit of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River,” said Mayr-Harting. “The more we engage in dialogue, the more trust we will build. People on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru expect efforts to set aside differences and make progress in the Settlement Process.”

In Chisinau, Mayr-Harting met with Moldovan President, Maia Sandu, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Aureliu Ciocoi, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Olga Cebotari.  In Tiraspol, he met with Transdniestrian leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator, Vitaly Ignatiev.

In his discussions with the Sides, Mayr-Harting exchanged views on the state of affairs in the Settlement Process ahead of the forthcoming visit of the mediators and observers, and reviewed the potential for moving on key current issues improving lives of people on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, including freedom of movement, protection of human rights, transportation and healthcare. He also stressed the need to advance the Settlement Process and develop further joint proposals.

He encouraged the Sides to consolidate efforts in view of a result-oriented “5+2” meeting in Stockholm, which the Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship stands ready to convene.

During his visit, the Special Representative met a number of stakeholders and discussed the current status of the Settlement Process, including with leaders of political parties and the resident Ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.