The Foreign Ministry of the PMR hosted the meeting between Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović. The PMR Human Rights Ombudsman Vyacheslav Kosinsky and the PMR Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Stetsiuk also attended the meeting.
During the discussion, a number of relevant aspects on protecting the rights and freedoms of Pridnestrovian citizens were discussed, including those in the context of the unresolved conflict with the Republic of Moldova. Vitaly Ignatiev emphasized that the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic has been de facto independent for almost 30 years and "this is the reality to work with."
“Human rights cannot wait for a political conflict to be resolved and people should not be held hostages to the costs of this conflict. Therefore, Pridnestrovie perceives work with international institutions, including the Council of Europe, the United Nations, as an important element that helps us solve problems in the people’s interests,” the PMR Foreign Minister said.
During the conversation, Vitaly Ignatiev drew particular attention to the problem of politically motivated criminal cases that are being initiated in the Republic of Moldova against Pridnestrovian citizens. In particular, an emphasis was placed on the situation with Andrey Samoniy, and was expressed the request to assist in the Ombudsman of Pridnestrovie’s visit to him.
Continuing the meeting, at the request of Dunja Mijatović the Pridnestrovian side provided overview information in areas related to people with disabilities, inclusive education and fight against domestic violence.
Ending the meeting, Vitaly Ignatiev emphasized the openness and readiness of Pridnestrovie to direct interaction with the Council of Europe.
