OSCE Secretary General, on visit to Moldova, stresses OSCE support to Transdniestrian settlement process, confidence-building efforts on both banks

CHISINAU, 18 July 2012 - OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, speaking at the conclusion of his visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol today, underscored the OSCE’s support for the Transdniestrian settlement process and efforts to improve the lives of people on both banks of the river.

“My first visit to Moldova as OSCE Secretary General has been highly informative and productive, and I welcome the constructive approach demonstrated by the authorities in Chisinau and Tiraspol. I am encouraged by the progress we have seen in the official talks on the Transdniestrian settlement, and it is my hope that now that the principles and procedures as well as the agenda have been confirmed by all participants the talks will be able to move forward on the substance of the negotiations,” said Zannier.

He also highlighted the work being done by the OSCE Mission on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru River to build confidence between the sides as well as promote democratization and human rights: “Our core mandate is of course focused on advancing the settlement process and building confidence, but it is important to recognize that real results on the ground cannot be achieved without continued progress in key areas such as democratization and good governance. The OSCE Mission remains committed to helping Moldova’s efforts in this regard.”

During his three-day official visit Zannier met President Nicolae Timofti, Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Speaker of Parliament Marian Lupu, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Negotiator Eugen Carpov and Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca, as well as with Mihail Formuzal, Bashkan of Gagauzia. In Tiraspol he met Transdniestrian leader Evgeny Shevchuk and Chief Negotiator Nina Shtanski, as well as Mihail Burla, the Transdniestrian Supreme Soviet Speaker. He also met ambassadors of the mediators and observers in the settlement process, as well as with civil society representatives and OSCE staff in Chisinau, Bender and Tiraspol.