2006 Press release

January 25, 2006
PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Statement on the January Round of Transnistria 5-Plus-2 Negotiations

The United States welcomes the opportunity to resume our role as observer at the January 26-27 Transnistria settlement negotiations.  Given the disappointing results of the last round of negotiations in December, we want to be clear about our expectations at the start of the meetings this week: we expect to see real progress, for the status quo is unacceptable to us as observers and should be deemed unacceptable to all sides.

The Transnistria stalemate has lasted nearly a decade-and-a-half, retarded economic development in the region and prevented the people of Moldova -- including Transnistria -- from enjoying real peace.  In such an environment, it is imperative that these negotiations achieve tangible results. 

Negotiations must be held in the spirit of compromise.  In particular, all parties must avoid inflammatory rhetoric and approach seriously their participation in the activities of the working groups on technical matters.  Similarly, Moldova and the Transnistrians must make a concerted effort to see that confidence and security-building measures are undertaken and completed in a timely fashion.  Progress will also require Russia to live up to its international commitments and withdraw its military forces from Moldova.

The U.S. remains committed to assisting the parties -- Moldova, the Transnistrian side -- as well as mediators Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE -- in reaching a peaceful settlement to the Transnistria issue via the 5-Plus-2 negotiations.  We will continue to participate in the negotiations and expect all parties to move forward seriously.  All those affected by the conflict deserve nothing less.