OSCE says that Odessa discussions were sincere and constructive

The OSCE Special Representative for the Protracted Conflicts, Ambassador Andrii Deshchytsia believes that the discussions, which took place in the framework of the 5+2 format negotiations in Odessa (Ukraine) on May 23-24, were sincere and constructive.   

An OSCE press release quoted the Ukrainian diplomat as saying that the parties have covered a broad spectrum of questions important for both conflicting sides, including the freedom of movement and evacuation of radioactive waste.    

Deshchytsia expressed satisfaction that the parties had signed an agreement on dismantling the unused industrial aerial ropeway across the Dniester River between the towns of Rybnitsa and Rezina. The facility has been out of use for nearly two decades, and it presents danger to the residential localities situated under it.        

Andrii Deshchytsia called on both parties to continue their regular bilateral meetings at all levels in the period until next round of talks scheduled for July 16-17 in Vienna. He also proposed to organize in Vienna next July – together with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) – a seminar on perspectives of Transnistrian conflict settlement with participation of all the 5+2 negotiating format subjects:  Moldova and Transnistria as the conflicting sides, Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE as international mediators and guarantors; and the European Union and the United States as observers.     

Ambassador Jennifer Leigh Brush, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, said that the opening of the Gura Bicului Bridge is very important both for citizens and economic operators. She voiced hope that this problem will be resolved at the next round of the 5+2 negotiations.
 
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Leonid Kozhara sent a message to Odessa negotiation participants, in which he emphasized the Ukrainian leadership’s adherence to ensuring a well-balanced, constructive and effective negotiating process.      

Kozhara welcomed the decision to dismantle the aerial ropeway across the Dniester.   

Adapted from Infotag