Joint Control Commission holds meeting in Bender

The discussions today continued within the Joint Control Commission on the most pressing issues in the Security Zone, focusing, in particular, on ensuring freedom of movement and journalists’ access to the Commission’s activities.

The delegation of Moldova also revisited earlier initiatives launched in November 2025 regarding the need to ensure freedom of movement near the locality of Harbovat, Anenii Noi district. It was emphasized that the road repair works leading to the poultry complex, which began on April 1, 2026, are being slowed down due to heavy-duty transport traffic on the segment under rehabilitation. To facilitate completion of the works, residents, economic agents and the local administration are requesting the use of an alternative route, which is illegally blocked by Transnistrian structures. The delegation of Moldova recalled Article 5 of the Agreement of July 21, 1992, which provides for the removal of obstacles to the movement of goods, services and people and asked for the unhindered passage of vehicles belonging to the respective economic agents.

In the dispute regarding the compliance of the military contingent of Moldova with the general rules on wearing uniforms, the Moldovan delegation pointed out that the wearing of patches with the flag of Moldova on the uniforms of Moldovan servicemen is justified, legal and appropriate. The use by other military personnel of unapproved symbols, including signs associated with military aggression, constitutes a deviation from the acts governing the peacekeeping mission and from the legislation of Moldova. During the years, violations have also been reported in connection with military symbols, the conduct of unauthorized exercises and the presence of Russian armored vehicles in the Security Zone, including non-compliance with the 2003 protocol that ordered their withdrawal.

In the context, the Chisinau delegates called for compliance with existing decisions and the prompt implementation of the withdrawal of armored vehicles, while reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and stability in the Security Zone.

Delegation of the Republic of Moldova in the Joint Control Commission