The Special Representative of the Serbian OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian settlement process, Ambassador Radojko Bogojević, today concluded his second visit to the region in one week, following on from a visit to Chisinau on 30 June.

On 7 July, Ambassador Bogojević met with Transdniestrian leader Yevgeny Shevchuk and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Nina Shtanski in Tiraspol. On 8 July, he met with Acting Prime Minister Natalia Gherman in Chisinau. During his meetings, the OSCE Special Representative presented both sides with a letter addressed to them from the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić.

"I reiterated this message in Tiraspol yesterday and in Chisinau today, and reaffirmed the Chairperson-in-Office's commitment to assisting the sides reach a comprehensive, fair and viable solution to the conflict," Bogojević said. "As conveyed during my visit to Chisinau last week, the importance of continued dialogue and contact between the sides cannot be overstated".

In meetings held over the past two weeks, the Ambassador has received clear signals from all international 5+2 partners that they stand ready to facilitate the productive engagement of the two sides within the 5+2 format. Throughout these meetings, Ambassador Bogojević has underscored the need to find a way forward and to begin preparations for the next round of 5+2 talks.

"While the constructive engagement between the two sides earlier this year produced tangible achievements, the 5+2 talks are vital to instilling confidence in the settlement process and for generating sustainable results," said Bogojević. "I hope that my meetings over the last two weeks will help to galvanize preparations for the next round of talks."

As the OSCE Special Representative for the Transdniestrian settlement process, Ambassador Bogojević has sought ways to strengthen dialogue and foster confidence between the sides. His determined efforts reflect the commitment of the Serbian Chairmanship of the OSCE to the 5+2 settlement process.

The 5+2 format includes representatives of the sides, mediators and observers in the negotiations – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the US and the EU.


Photo by:OSCE/Igor Schimbator