The incidents in the Security Zone and the security dimension were addressed in the discussion with the OSCE

A thematic discussion on incidents in the Security Zone during the emergency situation, as well as security issues, were discussed today by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Cristina Lesnic, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova, Claus Neukirch.

Chisinau requested on several occasions the assistance of the OSCE Mission to monitor the Security Zone and record incidents during the emergency situation.

In accordance with the Cooperation Principles between the Joint Control Commission and the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova, signed in 2004, Chisinau requested not only recording violations, but also their investigation, as to fully achieve the mandate of the organization.

The Deputy Prime Minister officially asked for provision of the incidents list noted by the OSCE, specifically related to the illegal posts installed unilaterally by the Transnistrian side between 16 March and 19 May, 2020, due to the fact that field trips of the military observers to ascertain violations, was hindered during the state of emergency. As a result, officials verified the obtained data and Chisinau insisted on lifting the illegally installed posts, which restrict free movement and violate commitments made within the JCC, as well as those related to ensuring peace and order. Cristina Lesnic mentioned that the peacekeeping mechanism must be functional.

The Co-chair of the Delegation of the Republic of Moldova to the JCC expressed his concerns regarding operability of the reaction to document violations, which is imperative in urgent conditions. We cannot allow undermining the military observers’ capabilities to fulfill their role and mission.

The parties agreed that monthly and periodic reports of the OSCE, which reflect findings on the Security Zone, would be submitted to the constitutional authorities in Chisinau. 

The Talmaza case was mentioned as an example when the delegation of the Republic of Moldova followed all the necessary procedures to notify the introduction and lifting of quarantine in the village.

The parties agreed to hold regular bilateral meetings in order to review the situation in the Security Zone.