Italy's foreign minister Angelino Alfano has appointed Franco Frattini OSCE special representative on Moldo-Pridnestrovian settlement in 2018, Sputnik Moldova reports.
"The previous year showed positive and reassuring dynamics, including thanks to the long-awaited opening of the bridge across the Dniester. To make further progress, I decided to entrust the position of OSCE special representative on the Pridnestrovian settlement to such a competent person as Franco Frattini, Italy's foreign minister and the former vice-president of the European Commission," said Alfano in Vienna, announcing the priorities of Italy's OSCE chairmanship.
Franco Frattini headed the Italian foreign ministry in 2002-2004 and 2008-2011. He was also vice-president of the European Commission and European commissioner for justice, freedom and security. He was a member of the Italian parliament representing the Forza Italy party in 1996-2004. He also headed the ministry of public administration and coordination of intelligence and security services.
Frattini was awarded the Order of Friendship for the development of Russia-Italy relations. His is president of the Institute of Eurasian Studies, which aims to unite highly professional institutions and organisations dealing with economics and international relations to maintain strategic dialogue with Russia and other Eurasian countries.
