OSCE CiO urges all parties to keep momentum in solving Transdniestrian issue

CHISINAU, 3 April 2003 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Netherlands Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, urged President Vladimir Voronin and Foreign Minister Nicolae Dudau of Moldova and the Transdniestrian leader Igor Smirnov to keep the momentum going in finding a political solution for the Moldovan/Transdniestrian issue.

"We need a federation that is good for all sides", the CiO said during a visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol on 2 April. He offered the help of the OSCE in efforts to move the negotiation process forward and expressed satisfaction that all of his interlocutors agreed to continued mediation by the OSCE and others. "While different federation models exist, it is clear that one type of federation will have to be chosen", the Minister said.

Approval by the two legislative bodies of a protocol establishing a joint commission that will start working on a constitution for a unified Moldova is a first, important step in this process. "The OSCE stands ready to assist in this, through its presence in Moldova on the ground and by offering expert and legal advice to assist the authorities", said the Netherlands Chairman-in-Office. He expressed hope that this assistance would not be limited to the OSCE but involve other international organizations as well.

Minister de Hoop Scheffer added that the engagement of the international community should not end with agreement on the establishment of a constitutional commission. "The international community must also show its willingness to help implement a future agreement on a federalized Moldova, for instance by establishing a multinational peace-enhancement force that should be as broadly based as possible."

The CiO said that the prospect of a border monitoring operation was raised in all his talks. "I agreed with my interlocutors that transparency is a crucial factor in this process", said Minister de Hoop Scheffer, noting that the OSCE has substantial experience in border monitoring. "Border monitoring along the entire Moldovan/Ukrainian border, including the Transdniestrian section, would be another important element in increasing mutual confidence and, ultimately, in achieving stability and security in the country and the region."

In this context, the CiO expressed confidence that the Russian Federation will meet the deadlines laid down in the Istanbul and Porto declarations about withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition.