Regular dialogue and willingness to compromise is the only path to progress, says OSCE Special Representative for Transdniestrian settlement process

CHISINAU, 17 November 2015 – The Special Representative of Serbia’s OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the Transdniestrian settlement process, Radojko Bogojević, today concluded a visit to the region, which included meetings with political representatives in Chisinau and Tiraspol.

This was Bogojević’s last visit to the region in his role as Special Representative. He held the position for the consecutive Swiss and Serbian Chairmanships of the OSCE in 2014 and 2015.

In Chisinau, the Special Representative met with Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration and Moldovan Chief Negotiator Victor Osipov. In Tiraspol, he met with Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

“Over the past two days I have reiterated my principal message as Special Representative regarding the importance of frequent and purposeful contact between the two sides,” Bogojević said. “5+2, 1+1 and Working Group meetings must be held regularly, without pauses, regardless of internal political events or other challenges; this is the responsibility the leaders on both sides have to the population on both banks of the river.”

In his meetings, Bogojević underscored that the 5+2 format is ultimately the only mechanism for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the conflict, and stressed that talks in the 5+2 format must take place in addition to regular 1+1 and expert working group meetings. He also highlighted that any progress in the talks will inevitably require a readiness to compromise on both sides.

“It is essential that the sides demonstrate real political will towards the settlement process by renewing talks in the 5+2 format and by resolving substantive issues through compromise,” he said.

As Special Representative, Bogojević has sought to maintain meaningful contact between the sides and to focus dialogue on producing lasting solutions to problems confronting people living on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

“During what has been a difficult time for the region, we have worked to foster a constructive atmosphere and bolster dialogue between the sides and among all participants in the 5+2 format,” said Bogojević.

Talks in the 5+2 format include the participation of representatives of the sides, mediators and observers – Moldova, Transdniestria, the OSCE, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the US and the EU.