New head of OSCE Mission arrives in Moldova

CHISINAU, 1 August 2014 – The new Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Michael Scanlan, took up his position today in Chisinau.

“I am honoured over this appointment and look forward to working with the OSCE in Moldova. Despite recent worrying developments in the region and all the challenges ahead, I am confident that we can continue working towards a settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict with all participants of the 5+2 negotiating process. The OSCE Mission to Moldova will continue its efforts to help advance democracy, prosperity and stability on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River, in keeping with our mandate endorsed by the 57 participating states,” said Scanlan.

He will participate in the next round of the 5+2 talks in Vienna in mid-September.

Scanlan has extensive experience in Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. Prior to his assignment as Head of OSCE Mission to Moldova, Scanlan served 23 years with the U.S. State Department, most recently as Director for Eastern Europe Affairs in Washington and Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Minsk.

Scanlan replaces Ambassador Jennifer Brush who left the OSCE Mission to Moldova earlier in July.