Moldova committed to European security dialogue to address concrete challenges, settlement of Transdniestrian conflict, says Deputy Prime Minister

VIENNA, 24 June 2010 - Moldova remains committed to settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict, and is looking to the OSCE-anchored dialogue on European security to address real challenges and threats, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Victor Osipov told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

In his address Osipov, who is the Moldovan political representative in the "5+2" Transdniestrian conflict settlement process, discussed related developments as well as Moldova's perspective on the European security dialogue. The "5+2" format includes representatives of the Sides, Mediators - the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the OSCE - and Observers - the United States and the European Union.

He emphasized the Moldovan government's commitment to settlement of the conflict.

"We consistently advocate in favour of a policy of dialogue, openness and trust. Our efforts are concentrated on developing regular contacts between Chisinau and Tiraspol at the level of political representatives, as well as in the working groups created to build confidence in various areas," said Osipov. "Our main goal is to provide the much needed support to the population and businesses in the region, including by means of international projects and programmes."

He called for the "earliest resumption of official negotiations in the 5+2 format without any preliminary conditions", and thanked Kazakhstan's OSCE Chairmanship and the OSCE Mission to Moldova for their support.

He also addressed OSCE-anchored dialogue on the future of European security under the Corfu Process, calling for discussions to "acquire a practical character and be focused on looking for answers to the real challenges and threats in this sphere."

"In this context, my country places great hope on the informal ministerial meeting due to be held in July," added Osipov. "We expect, first of all, substantial discussions on issues of concern to us, such as the settlement of conflicts and crisis situations, arms control, [and] strengthening the European security system, which will allow the drawing of clear-cut perspectives for the future."

The Permanent Council is a main decision-making body of the 56-country OSCE. It meets weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions.