OSCE Parliamentarians encourage Dialogue on Moldova's future Constitution

COPENHAGEN, 25 September 2003 - The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) continues to promote dialogue in support of the conflict settlement process in Moldova. On 29 September 2003, the Vice-President of the OSCE PA, Kimmo Kiljunen, will open the "Second Parliamentary Conference on Federalism" to discuss issues related to the separation of powers in a federal state. OSCE Parliamentarians from Austria, Finland, Germany, Russia and Slovenia will be joined by experts from the Council of Europe and the European Union in a dialogue with political leaders and constitutional experts from Moldova and the Transdniestrian region. The seminar is organized by the OSCE PA in close co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The "Second Seminar" is a follow-up to the first "Seminar on Federalism" held in Chisinau and Tiraspol in May 2003. Its purpose is to further promote the ongoing negotiations between Moldova and the Transdniestrian region on a new constitution for Moldova. This Constitution, which would be based on the principles of federalism, is aimed at solving the decade-old conflict between the both sides by peaceful means. The OSCE, through its Mission to Moldova, is a co-mediator in this negotiation process.

The OSCE Parliamentary Team on Moldova, which is lead by Mr. Kiljunen (Finland) has since its establishment in 2000 been promoting contacts and dialogue between the two sides in support of resolving Transdniestria's status in Moldova.

A press conference will be held after the seminar at the Chisinau Airport at 14.30h on Tuesday, 30 September 2003. A video/photo opportunity will be provided at the opening session on Monday morning (10.00h, Hotel Nistru, Vadul-lui-Voda) and Tuesday morning. (10.00h, Office of the Joint Constitutional Commission, Bender).