The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) stands for a peaceful solution to the Transdniestrian conflict, the OSCE Mission to Moldova said following OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger’s visit to Chisinau and Tiraspol.
The secretary-general confirmed “the OSCE’s full support for achieving a settlement of the Transdniestrian issue based on the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova while at the same time providing special status for Transdniestria,” the mission said in a press release seen by Interfax.
“The progress achieved by Chisinau and Tiraspol in the Transdniestrian settlement process brings a positive change to local populations and provides a good example of conflict resolution for the whole OSCE area,” it said.
“I welcome the political will and commitment of Chisinau and Tiraspol to work in the spirit of confidence-building towards fulfilling agreements from the “Berlin-plus” package and beyond,” Greminger said.
“I am confident that in the course of the upcoming “5+2″ meeting organized by the Slovak Chairmanship in Bratislava and the planned Bavaria conference, the Sides will consolidate the existing progress and generate new agreements for the benefit of people on both banks [of the Dniestr River],” he said.
Greminger also “commended the commitment of the Moldovan Government and parliament to pursue a robust reform agenda to tackle corruption and improve the independence of the judiciary,” adding that “the Organization’s institutions are fully prepared to support the implementation of these ambitious reforms, which will bring Moldova further towards fulfilling relevant OSCE commitments.”
“In this context, the Secretary-General stressed that the transparent conduct of local elections on 20 October will be important for the further development of democracy and rule of law in Moldova,” the mission said.
“The Secretary-General also welcomed the country’s efforts to promote the rights of national minorities and the development of the Gagauzia’s autonomy, which will create a favorable environment for the Transdniestrian settlement process,” it said.
Greminger visited Moldova on September 18-19. He met with the Moldovan leadership and the administration of Transdniestria.
