Moldova and OSCE: withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers is a priority task

Leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Moldova Vladimir Plahotniuc has announced that the official Chisinau would ask for support from international partners of Moldova in the issue of withdrawal of the Russian peacekeepers from the region.

Plahotniuc discussed the situation with Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transnistrian Settlement Process Franco Frattini. According to the Moldovan politician, “withdrawal of the Russian peacekeepers from the territory of the republic is a priority for Moldova.”

“During the meeting, I presented arguments why the Republic of Moldova believes that withdrawal of the Russian troops from our territory is a priority. We will continue working with all diplomatic channels to fulfill certain international obligations. Besides, we will continue asking for international assistance in fulfilling this task,” Plahotniuc stressed.

The Moldovan government believes that the Transnistrian conflict settlement can be achieved on the basis of sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders only.

“The document on Transnistria’s special status must be signed in accordance with those principles and the border of the country. The ruling coalition has achieved signing several protocols with Tiraspol aimed at helping people from both Dniester banks and started the process for confidence building,” he concluded.

During the visit to Moldova, Franco Frattini supported the Chisinau position on Russia’s presence in the region. Frattini said that the OSCE is still ready to be a mediator in the process of withdrawal and elimination of Russian weapons.