In Moldova, OSCE parliamentarians encourage legislative bodies in Chisinau and Tiraspol to support settlement talks

CHISINAU, 15 June 2016 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Team on Moldova concluded today a three-day visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol, urging that legislative bodies on both sides give greater support to the Transdniestrian settlement process. The delegation was led by Arta Dade (MP, Albania) and included Marietta Tidei (MP, Italy) and Thierry Mariani (MP, France).

In Chisinau, the Parliamentary Team met with Deputy Chairman of the Moldovan Parliament Liliana Palihovici, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Gheorghe Balan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Lilian Darii, and the Delegation of Moldova to the OSCE PA led by Serghei Sirbu. Parliamentary Team members held talks in Tiraspol with Transdniestrian leader Yevgeny Shevchuk, Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev, and Chairman of the Transdniestrian legislature, Vadim Krasnoselsky. While in Moldova, OSCE parliamentarians also met the Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, Irina Vlah, and exchanged views with civil society representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

In their meetings, the Team explored possible opportunities for co-operation with representatives from Chisinau and Tiraspol through the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

“We came to Moldova to find ways to encourage greater co-operation between Chisinau and Tiraspol at the legislative level,” said Arta Dade. “Finding the political will to overcome differences is the key to ensuring a long-term and comprehensive settlement. In this respect, legislative deputies are essential in building political support for any solution to the Transdniestrian conflict.”

The visit took place some two months after an OSCE PA seminar in Leinsweiler, Germany considered parliamentary contributions to OSCE efforts in addressing conflicts. The delegation was in Moldova ten days after the resumption of talks in the 5+2 format in Berlin, Germany, during which both sides agreed on a protocol detailing steps to be taken to resolve a number of concrete issues prior to a Conference on Confidence-Building Measures planned for July.

“As members of parliament, our primary duty is to work for the greater benefit of all citizens, regardless of party or faction. People on both sides of the Dniester/Nistru River deserve to see their daily life improve and to be able to envision a brighter future.” Dade said. “This depends entirely on Chisinau and Tiraspol translating their good intentions into actual political will.”

The Parliamentary Team on Moldova was established in early 2000. The Team’s mandate calls on it to promote peace, stability and the rule of law in Moldova, while affirming the unity of the State, by engaging in and promoting dialogue between parties and organizations representing different sections of the Moldovan population. Assisting the Transdniestrian settlement process is a particular priority of the Parliamentary Team, which includes parliamentarians from Albania, France, Georgia, Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly worked closely with the Parliament of Moldova and the OSCE Mission to Moldova on the visit.

Photos of the visit are available on Flickr.