The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the meeting between Minister Vitaly Ignatiev and the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Representative Thomas Lenk. The Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Isabella Hartmann, also took part in the meeting.
During the discussion, the participants engaged in a detailed exchange on the current state of affairs within the negotiation process and on potential initiatives aimed at its revitalization. It was emphasized that dialogue must resume within legitimate and well-established formats based on an agreed agenda. The Pridnestrovian side underscored the OSCE’s key role in bringing the parties back to the negotiating table, reiterating that it “keeps the door open for contacts with the Moldovan side”.
Particular attention was paid to the inadmissibility of human rights violations. In this regard, the Pridnestrovian representatives criticized the actions of the Republic of Moldova restricting the freedom of movement and electoral rights of Pridnestrovian residents, as well as instances of pressure exerted on them when crossing the Moldovan state border, most notably at Chisinau International Airport.
Vitaly Ignatiev once again drew attention to the so-called “law on separatism”, which has received negative international assessments, and advocated for these repressive provisions to be either repealed or specified, through the mediation of the OSCE, in such a way that they no longer pose a threat to the personal security and freedom of movement for the people of Pridnestrovie.
The Foreign Minister also emphasized the need to advance on all pressing sectoral issues, including trade and economic cooperation, banking relations, motor transport, and environmental protection, particularly concerning river pollution.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Pridnestrovian side called on the OSCE to engage in more active mediation, including by holding events within the negotiation process.
As part of the visit, the OSCE delegation also attended the Vehicle Registration Office in Tiraspol. Thomas Lenk handed over “MD” stickers used in accordance with existing agreements on vehicles bearing neutral license plates. The heads of the registration office from both the Pridnestrovian and Moldovan sides provided an overview of the facility’s infrastructure outlining its parameters and key operational challenges. Particular attention was given to the need to allow the registration of vehicles imported into the PMR after September 1, 2018, in line with the provisions of the Protocol Decision. The sides called for the development of coordinated solutions based on existing initiatives and available infrastructure, including the issue of driver’s licenses.
