Moldovan foreign minister attends roundtable of Chatham House club

Chisinau, 20 June /MOLDPRES/ – The recent developments in the Transnistrian issue and the efforts of national authorities to resolve political disputes, based upon principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, have been major discussion topics of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Tudor Ulianovschi, within Chatham House club with participation of diplomatic corps accredited in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, politicians, businessmen, journalists and representatives of civil society in England, the MAEIE’s information and media communication service has reported.

Presenting latest developments in the Transnistrian conflict settlement process, Tudor Ulianovschi said that during recent meetings in format "5+2" in Berlin, Vienna and Rome, there has been substantial progress in promoting confidence – building measures between two banks of the Dniester river. "I will invoke on it six protocol decisions concerning the opening of the bridge over the Dniester, from Gura Bacului – Bacioc, ensuring good functioning of Transnistrian schools with teaching on the basis of the Latin script, apostille of Tiraspol diplomas, restoration of telephone connection between the two banks of the Dniester, free access of farmers in Dubasari district to their agricultural lands beyond road Tiraspol – Ribnita, admission to international road traffic of cars from the Transnistrian region, which eventually allowed us to make a step ahead in that direction," remarked head of Moldovan diplomacy.

In this context, the Moldovan official hopes that OSCE Chairmanship of Italy in 2018 will contribute effectively to development of this positive development, including ensuring free movement of persons, goods and services between the two banks of the Dniester. "Similarly, I have to admit that Moldova remains extremely vulnerable to unfolding of an unprecedented hybrid war in the region, given my country's traditional dependence on energy resources of Russia and trade with that country. We hope that in a near future, we will be able to diversify our energy sources and assert ourselves in the new markets, especially in the European market," said Tudor Ulianovschi.

Referring to draft resolution on withdrawal of foreign troops from the territory of Moldova, included on agenda of the UN General Assembly on 22 June 2018, Minister of Foreign Affairs outlined it being a project based on commitments assumed by Russia and need to withdraw of the Operational Group of Russian Troops, according to principles of international law and UN Charter, noting that Moldova has been waiting for support from UN member states, based on same principles of international law and UN Charter – demonstrating solidarity with approach of Moldova. Also, it was discussed the need to replace existing peacekeeping military mission with a multinational civil peacekeeping mission.

Within dialogue, participants addressed several questions on both: the Transnistrian issue and impact of Ukrainian situation on regional and European security, dispute settlement etc. Some of referred issues to political situation in Moldova, prospects for its European course and parliamentary elections in 2018.