The OSCE Special Representative for Pridnestrovie, Franco Frattini, in an interview to RIA Novosti noted the great contribution of Russia to achieving concrete results in the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian settlement.
“During this year, I met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov several times. The last time was at the end of November in Moscow. He always assured me of the support of our efforts on the part of Russia, and I must say that Russia really cooperated with us in the most constructive way” - said the former head of the Italian Foreign Ministry, who was appointed special representative for Pridnestrovie during this country's chairmanship in the OSCE.
“I want to emphasize that neither Russia nor Ukraine are parties to the conflict. They are intermediaries participating in “5+2” format. In turn, the role of the OSCE is to coordinate the overall work. At the same time, it is important to ensure that both parties - Chisinau and Tiraspol - cooperate with each other” - Frattini said.
As an example, Frattini cited a problem associated with the international movement of motor vehicles registered in Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Its solution was found through the creation of special license plates with "neutral status". Having received such numbers, residents of Pridnestrovie can safely go to the EU countries.
“It would seem that everything had already been decided. However, literally there were some seemingly minor technical issues that actually had political significance remained left to the end of this delicate matter. And at some point, Moscow said clearly: "We agree with this project". And only after that we reached an agreement with both Ukraine and the two parties to the conflict” - special representative said.
Moldova and Pridnestrovie as parties to the conflict, Russia, Ukraine, OSCE - as mediators, the European Union and the USA - as observers participate in international negotiations in the “5+2” format. The last time negotiations in this format took place on May 29-30 in Rome.
Stressing that the “5+2” format is a unique example of effective negotiations in modern international politics with the participation of the Russian Federation, the United States and Ukraine, Frattini expressed the hope that in 2019 during the Slovakia presidency of the OSCE, the remaining unsolved problems will be resolved by joint efforts.
“I am satisfied with the method of our work and I am confident that Slovakia will continue on the present course” - Frattini summed up.
