THE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF THE TRANSNISTRIAN CONFLICT IS THE ONLY OPTION THAT MOLDOVA SUPPORTS

Moldova wishes for a peaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict in order to reintegrate the country, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, stated on Friday.

As reported by INFOTAG, during a joint press conference in Chisinau with the Acting Chairperson of the OSCE, Minister of Foreign, European, and Trade Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, Popsoi expressed gratitude to his colleague for the support the OSCE has been providing to Moldova in the negotiation process over the years.

“I am glad that in this difficult time for Moldova and the entire region, we can discuss issues related to regional stability and security,” the minister noted.

He reiterated “firm and unwavering support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of neighboring Ukraine” by the Republic of Moldova.

“Due to the limited resources available to Moldova, we support our neighbors and friends in Ukraine. At the beginning of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, Moldova welcomed over 1 million Ukrainian refugees. Currently, there are approximately 110,000 women and children from Ukraine in our country,” Popsoi noted.

Speaking about the Transnistrian settlement, the head of Moldova's foreign ministry said that “a peaceful settlement is the only option that Moldova sees.”

Popsoi expressed appreciation to the OSCE for supporting dialogue between the parties during the period when the “5+2” negotiation format was paused. This particularly concerns the support of the organization for Moldovan authorities' efforts to ensure the rights and freedoms of citizens on the left bank of the Dniester.

The Moldovan oficial stated that Moldova firmly insists on Russia withdrawing its ammunition, weapons, and military personnel from the Transnistrian region.

“We call on our partners to create conditions for accelerating the withdrawal process,” Popsoi concluded.