OSCE chair says pridnestrovian issue cannot be compared to other frozen conflicts
Each territorial conflict is different; it has its demographical, historical, ethnical and religious particularities, that is why the Transnistrian conflict cannot be compared to any other dispute in the region, Miguel Angel Moratinos, OSCE chairman-in-office and Spanish Foreign Minister, told a news conference today. Spain’s experience in this field is positive, but not to the extent to which it could suggest a solution for the Transnistria settlement, Miguel Angel Moratinos said.
The Spanish official pleaded for a peaceful settlement of the dispute, which will respect the territorial integrity of Moldova. The OSCE chairman-in-office highlighted the importance of urgently resuming the 5+2 format talks. For this purpose, on October 11 Viena will host talks in the 3+2 format (negotiators and mediators).
Moratinos assured the official Chisinau of Spain’s support in advancing on the path of European integration, adding that nobody doubts now that Moldova belongs in Europe. At the same time, the EU needs to establish its own institutional frame before deciding to go for a new enlargement, the official added.
After meeting with the key leaders of the country, Miguel Angel Moratinos left for Tiraspol.
Spain to open embassy in Moldova in 2008
Chisinau, 8 October /MOLDPRES/ – President Vladimir Voronin has had a meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-office and Spanish Foreign and Cooperation Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, on his first visit to Chisinau, according to the presidential press service.
The two officials exchanged opinions on the current stage of the Moldovan-Spanish relations and considered opportunities to strengthen the bilateral dialogue in different sectors.
Miguel Angel Moratinos expressed his country s interest in extending and deepening cooperation with Moldova and voiced hope that the opening of the Spanish embassy in Chisinau, scheduled for 2008, will give a fresh impetus to the Moldovan-Spanish cooperation on various dimensions. In the context, Moratinos highlighted the opportunity to include an official visit to Spain by Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin on the agenda of the Moldovan-Spanish relations.
The Spanish official also stressed the need to fully capitalise the economic potential between the two states and increase the volume of Spanish investments in Moldova. The minister expressed conviction that the strengthening of the bilateral legal framework through the signing of the Moldovan-Spanish agreements on mutual protection of investments and on avoiding double taxation will help intensify the economic operations between the two states.
For his part, President Voronin welcomed Miguel Angel Moratinos to Chisinau and expressed conviction that his visit will help make more dynamic Moldova s relations with Spain and with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The head of state announced the Moldovan authorities intent to open our country s embassy in Madrid, which, he said, will help extend and deepen the cooperation relations between the two states.
The president favoured higher Spanish investments in Moldova s economy, pointing out the friendly investment environment, including the favourable legal framework in line with the European standards.
The two sides also tackled aspects related to the Transnistrian issue and prospects of resuming the Transnistrian conflict settlement negotiations.
Voronin reiterated the Moldovan authorities interest in renewing the negotiating process and voiced hope that a sustainable solution to the Transnistrian issue will be identified within the 5+2 format (Moldova and Transnistria – the sides involved, Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE – the mediators and the EU and the OSCE – the observers).
The officials also exchanged opinions on various issues related to the activity of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Info-Prim Neo
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posted: 14 October 2007
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