Nicu Popescu: The withdrawal of Russian ammunition and military troops from the territory of the country is the central objective of our foreign policy
The impact of the war on the Transnistrian settlement process and the issue of non-respect of human rights on the left side of the Nistru were the main topics discussed between the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Nicu Popescu, and his counterpart from North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE. The two officials emphasized that the Transnistrian dispute must be resolved exclusively peacefully.
Furthermore, Nicu Popescu noted that due to the war started by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the negotiations regarding the Transnistrian settlement, in the 5+2 format, cannot continue. However, he assured that the authorities are doing their best to maintain dialogue and stability on the territory of our country. "We reiterated that our goal is to reach a situation where the Russian Federation withdraws its military troops and ammunition that are illegally on our territory. It is a central objective of our foreign policy. The method is exclusively peaceful. I also raised the issue of non-respect of human rights in the Transnistrian region. The situation is alarming and we are counting on the support of the OSCE", said the resigned minister. For his part, Bujar Osmani mentioned that the main purpose of his visit to Chisinau is to promote the OSCE mission in the Republic of Moldova and in the region. "Russia's push against Ukraine has affected the country. I give a signal that the current presidency supports the Republic of Moldova in solving these challenges. We know that Russia's aggression against Ukraine has created specific challenges in the Transnistrian settlement process. This process is vital to the presidency. Our goal is peaceful resolution. Activity in the 5+2 format is suspended, but remains the only mutually agreed format for regulation. We will mutually support any effort that will ensure positive dynamics. Discussions must continue," said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. We remind you that Bujar Osmani is in the Republic of Moldova since yesterday, for discussions with Moldovan officials and the management from Tiraspol.
