The meeting of the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde took place in Bendery. She is accompanied by Special Representative Thomas Mayr-Harting, Head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova Claus Neukirch, Swedish Ambassador Katarina Fried, as well as a large group of officials representing the Swedish Foreign Ministry and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Pridnestrovian side was also represented by Foreign Minister of the PMR Vitaly Ignatiev and his Deputy Alexandr Stetsiuk.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current crisis in the negotiation process between Pridnestrovie and Moldova and the work of the “Permanent Meeting ...” format, as well as to revitalize the dialogue and charge it with practical meaning. The agenda of today's discussion formed by the Pridnestrovian side is similar to the one that was sent in the last days of September to the leadership of the Republic of Moldova. In addition, an expanded “5+2” meeting planned for November this year will be discussed with OSCE representatives, Vadim Krasnoselsky noted, opening the discussion. He called today's conversation important, stressing that joint discussion will help form a shared understanding of the situation and develop common approaches to solving problematic aspects. The first meeting with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office held in February allowed for a preliminarily agenda. It barely changed during six months, as well as the position of Pridnestrovie, which stands for continuing negotiations in various formats, the PMR President underscored. Vadim Krasnoselsky empathized, those issues are to be addressed the solution of which affects the quality of life of the residents of Pridnestrovie and Moldova, as well as the observance of the rights and freedoms of citizens of both republics. The principle that the Pridnestrovian side follows and on the implementation of which by other participants in the negotiations itinsists is also important: the obligation to comply with the prior commitments. Vadim Krasnoselsky emphasized that if the parties stop fulfilling what has been signed, further dialogue will be difficult.
Ann Linde in turn also referred to the February meeting. She noted that the priority of the Swedish Chairpersonship in the OSCE remains the desire to contribute to the resolution of conflict situations. The Swedish Foreign Minister emphasized that the OSCE Chairpersonship is focused on obtaining practical results. Referring to the Bratislava experience, Ann Linde called meetings that do not yield results a rollback in the negotiation process.
Held at the hotel and restaurant complex “Old Bastion” in Bendery, the international meeting continues.
