Mr. Chairman, I noted with satisfaction the importance that Ambassador Hill attached to the need to focus on "achievable" steps that contribute towards the OSCE's objectives. This approach supports the goals of the decision our ministers took in Oslo last December.

We believe a political resolution of the status of Transnistria cannot be possible without more frequent contacts and meetings between all the concerned parties. We hope that the recent direct dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia can serve as an example of how such contacts can help improve the atmosphere for the resolution of conflict.

We also need to continue our efforts to obtain agreement to a schedule for the withdrawal of all Russian military equipment and weaponry from Moldovan territory. Although there has been an exchange of ideas on this already, a concrete agreement must be reached soon. Progress on this matter will be key to successful negotiations on an adapted CFE Treaty.

Finally, the U.S. and other states have offered to assist in the withdrawal and/or destruction of Russian military equipment from Transnistria. I want to stress that it is essential to move as quickly as possible to send an international team of experts to Transnistria so that a proper assessment of the scope of work can be done. I was heartened by the statement of the French Delegation on their preparedness--and even enthusiasm--to move quickly in this regard. We support the call already made today by Switzerland and others to urge all states, particuarly Russia, to help make a prompt assessment visit possible. This is exactly the kind of small, achievable step to which the Oslo Ministerial committed all of us.