CHISINAU - The European Union's High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has welcomed the resumption of rail freight service in the Moldovan Republic of Transdniestria.
It is a major step in building confidence between the two banks of the Dniester River. We are satisfied that the EU technical examination allowed to find a practical solution, Ashton said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Interfax from the office of the EU delegation in Chisinau on May 2.
The resumption of the freight train service is excellent news both for the business community and for residents on both sides of Dniester, the document said.
Other good news that will boost confidence between the sides is expected such as the resumption of direct telephone communication between the two river banks, Ashton said.
Freight train service through Transdniestria has resumed after a six-year break. The first train laden with metal products departed on April 26 from the Transdniestrian town of Ribnita to Odessa. A ceremony held on the occasion of the first train departure was attended by Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat and leader of the Transdniestrian administration Yevgeny Shevchuk. Both leaders said they will meet in the near future to sign a protocol resuming telephone communication between the two banks of the Dniester River.
