The Berlin Plus package and human rights in the Transnistrian region were discussed at the 1+1 meeting of the Chief Negotiators

The Chief Negotiator from Chisinau, Cristina Lesnic, had a 1+1 meeting with the Chief Negotiator from Tiraspol and a wide range of topics were discussed. The video-conference took place at the headquarters of the OSCE Mission in Chisinau with participation of the mediators’ and observers’ representatives.

Cristina Lesnic welcomed resumption of the 1+1 discussions, which were postponed at the beginning of the pandemic. She highlighted Chisinau’s readiness to discuss the issues on the Berlin Plus package and those that emerged during the health crisis management.

Cristina Lesnic requested for unconditional assurance of the population’s free movement on both banks of the Nistru river. At the same time, the representatives of Chisinau declared that they will not accept politicization of the subject related to schools teaching in Romanian and conditioning by Tiraspol of the movement of approximately 400 teachers and over 1500 students. They requested resumption of free movement starting on 1 August. Moreover, these people, being holders of health insurances, are assigned to health centers on the right bank.

Another topic addressed by Chisinau refers to the access of agricultural land owners for cultivating and transporting agricultural production. According to existing data, about 27% of the land remained uncultivated due to the traffic restrictions imposed by Tiraspol. In this context, the Chief Negotiator, Cristina Lesnic, requested for a field visit of the specialists from Chisinau and Tiraspol to ascertain the situation on the spot.

In regards to telecommunications, Chisinau reiterated the technical and legislative conditions that the new operator must meet in order to obtain and keep the license.

On the issue of health care, the Moldovan side in the negotiation process mentioned the impediments encountered due to non-convening of the Health Care Working Group. Chisinau proposed to Tiraspol the draft Roadmap for implementing the WHO recommendations on Covid-19 prevention and control. It was refused by Tiraspol.

The need to comply with previous agreements on the access of officials from Chisinau to the left bank of Nistru was also reiterated.

The Chief Negotiator pointed out that in current circumstances neither the Ombudsman nor the civil society representatives and journalists can move freely. Chisinau showed openness to organize Sectoral Working Groups meetings and discuss the health issues and respect for human rights in the Transnistrian region. Cristina Lesnic made the proposal to ensure free movement of the Ombudsman on the left bank of Nistru and to convene the Working Group to discuss individual cases of human rights violations, classified as inadmissible. 

In regards to the registration and re-registration of vehicles with neutral plates, Chisinau proposed organization of a field visit of the Public Service Agency’s experts to Offices from Tiraspol and Chisinau to assess the level of citizens’ satisfaction and to apply the "live line" in parallel with online pre-scheduling. 

The Chief Negotiator also highlighted that freedom of movement, mentioned in the protocol decisions, is not observed due to the illegal checkpoints installed by Tiraspol. We would like to remind that the Chief Negotiator from Tiraspol permanently states that he is not mandated to discuss the checkpoints issue.

Therewith, Cristina Lesnic requested the OSCE Mission to the Republic of Moldova to take note of all the positions stated during the meeting.