EU Special Representative for Moldova addresses OSCE Permanent Council, urges restart of formal '5+2' Transdniestria negotiations ahead of Summit

VIENNA, 23 September 2010 - Kalman Mizsei, the European Union Special Representative for Moldova, addressed the OSCE Permanent Council today, calling for a restart of formal "5+2" negotiations on the Transdniestrian conflict by the OSCE Summit in December.

The OSCE and the EU are part of the 5+2 process for settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict, which includes the sides (the Republic of Moldova and Transdniestria); the mediators (the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the OSCE); and the United States and the EU as observers.

"The resolution of frozen conflicts in the OSCE area represents a priority for all participating States in order to strengthen security in Europe. Resumption of official negotiations in the 5+2 format by the upcoming OSCE summit would represent a success for Europe as a whole," said Mizsei. "The launch of formal negotiations in the 5+2 format will show the clear commitment and seriousness of all participants for dialogue and co-operation in identifying a comprehensive, long-lasting and durable solution to the conflict."

"We are convinced that it is in the best interest of Transdniestria to immediately capitalize on the positive atmosphere that has been created this year and engage in official talks."

Mizsei said he recognized the relentless and good efforts of the Kazakh Chairmanship to achieve the resumption of the official 5+2 negotiations.

He added: "The European Union is striving for a solution that is equitable and balanced, that will promote lasting security in the region and that will lay the groundwork for prosperity on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru River. I hope that in the upcoming period that we will have the wisdom of informed self-interest and also the courage and responsibility to do the possible, solving a conflict that is eminently solvable."

Mizsei also addressed EU-Moldova relations, the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine, and internal developments, including Moldova's planned early parliamentary elections in November.

The mediators and observers, including the EU Special Representative, visited Moldova from 20 to 22 September and met the leaders, political negotiators and other senior officials on both sides and the chairs of the joint experts working groups on confidence-building measures. The next informal 5+2 meeting will take place in Vienna on 27 and 28 September.

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.