The current state of negotiations and the possibilities for boosting them were discussed by the acting Deputy Prime Minister Olga Cebotari and the mediators and observers within the "5+2" negotiation format
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03.06.2021, Chisinau – According to the preliminary established agenda, the meeting of the acting Deputy Prime Minister Olga Cebotari with the representatives of mediators and observers from the Permanent Conference on Political Affairs in the Transnistrian settlement process ("5+2" negotiation format) took place today.
The Delegation is on a working visit to the Republic of Moldova and it is led by Thomas Mayr-Harting, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian settlement.
The meeting served as a good opportunity to inform the international partners about the current situation in the Chisinau – Tiraspol dialogue, current issues on the negotiation agenda, efforts made by the Moldovan side, and constant interaction of the political representatives this year. The views were exchanged on the prospects for promoting the Transnistrian settlement process and convening the next "5+2" negotiations round.
The acting Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that the following remain paramount for Chisinau:
1. Ensuring respect for human rights and freedom of movement between the two banks of the Nistru river.
2. Protecting the health of the population and combating COVID-19 effectively.
3. Solving the problems faced by the farmers from Dubasari district and by the Latin-script schools, including having their own premises.
4. Maintaining the functionality and productivity in all the negotiation formats, in the JCC as well, and relaunching the activity of the "5+2" by initiating consultations on the parameters of the regulatory model.
In regards to the human rights, concern was expressed about the illegal detention of the Moldovan citizens in the region and the need for a fair restoration of their rights. The call for a lasting solution on free movement for all categories of citizens was reiterated, including on unhindered movement of officials from the right bank for private visits or pass-through localities in the region.
The positive dynamic was highlighted as a result of the measures to combat COVID-19 and of the medical equipment and vaccines offered by Chisinau as donations to the beneficiaries from the eastern districts of the country.
Advancing the implementation of the agreements in the Berlin Plus conventional package was noted, in particular on ensuring proper functioning of the Moldovan educational institutions and access to the agricultural land on the Ribnita – Tiraspol route. The new initiatives meant to support the population were also mentioned, such as purchase, with the support of external donors, of new ferries to transport passengers and goods across Nistru, financing the capital reconstruction of the national road "Chisinau – Tiraspol – Cuciurgan", and opening of a new trolleybus line on "Bender – Varnița – Gura Bicului" route. The need to unblock the activity of the JCC and to remove the the unilateral control checkpoints that violate the regime of the Security Zone was also noted.
It was reminded that starting with September 1, participation in the international road traffic will be granted only for the non-commercial vehicles with neutral and national model plates. The approaches previously applied towards import of goods into the region are to be continued with close monitoring of the situation, until the establishment of the final phase of the joint control at the Moldovan – Ukrainian state border.
Last but not least, it was reiterated that the early parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Moldova on 11 July and that it is necessary to ensure the non-discriminatory exercise of the electoral right for all citizens throughout the country and abroad.
The firm conviction that with the constant support of the "5+2" mediators and observers, new tangible results that will stimulate the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol will be achieved and will advance the Transnistrian settlement process.

