On Progress on the Transnistrian Settlement Process
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Harry Kamian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
April 26, 2018
Thank you Mr. Chair.
The United States fully supports a results-oriented 5+2 settlement process to achieve a comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement of the conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, with a special status for Transnistria within Moldova’s internationally recognized borders. This goal is attainable, but requires sustained commitment and political courage from the sides.
In this regard, the United States congratulates all sides in the 5+2 Transnistria settlement process for reaching an agreement on a mechanism for participation of vehicles from Transnistria in international road traffic. We note implementation of this agreement is to start in September, marking an important milestone on the path to a full and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
We urge all sides to capitalize on recent progress and to conclude the implementation of the remaining “Package of Eight” deliverables as reaffirmed in the 2017 Vienna Protocol. Completing the remaining deliverables – on criminal cases and freedom of movement – will benefit people on both banks of the Nistru river, as will quickly resolving implementation of the telecommunications agreement.
The commendable efforts by the sides to achieve resolution of this protracted conflict could set a positive example for the entire OSCE region.
The United States takes this opportunity to reaffirm its strong support for the Chairmanship’s Special Representative and the OSCE Mission to Moldova, and acknowledge their essential contributions to the settlement process.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
