Meeting of Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Eastern Europe and Policy and Regional Affairs, Christopher W.Smith

The dynamics of the dialogue between Chișinău and Tiraspol and the main evolutions of the Transnistrian file were discussed during the working meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian with the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Eastern Europe and Policy and Regional Affairs, Christopher W. Smith, accompanied by Laura Hruby, charge d’affaires ad interim of the US Embassy in the Republic of Moldova.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Serebrian stressed the positive actions of Chișinău on the economic and social reintegration of the Transnistrian region into unique national spaces, specifying that the implementation of the customs and economic legislation of the Republic of Moldova stimulates the full entry of the business environment of the region into the national legislative field.

The very precarious state of human rights in the eastern districts of the country and the abusive persecution of citizens by Tiraspol under the pretext of fighting alleged „extremists” were outlined. In this way, Tiraspol deliberately diverts the attention of external partners by excessively politicizing the provisions of criminal legislation on incriminating separatism, which has nothing to do with the negotiation process.

The Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration confirmed Chișinău’s strong commitment to maintain a productive dialogue in existing negotiation formats, promote a peaceful and political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, as well as keep a secure and predictable environment and cooperation with strategic partners.

The active role of the USA as an actor in negotiations, a supporter of the messages of the Republic of Moldova in international forums and as a provider of multilateral assistance throughout the country was mentioned.