OSCE Permanent Council: Moldova rejects Russia’s claims concerning Transnistria, calls for withdrawal of military forces from its territory

Moldova has rejected the unfounded allegations made by the Russian Federation regarding the situation in the Transnistrian region during a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In her statement, Moldova’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Ambassador Victoria Rosa reaffirmed the firm commitment of the Moldovan authorities to the peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, within its internationally recognized borders.

The ambassador highlighted the constant efforts of the Moldovan authorities to maintain dialogue and promote concrete measures aimed at contributing to the gradual reintegration of the Transnistrian region into the country’s constitutional, economic and social space. In the context, she noted meetings held in the “1+1” negotiation format, the work of sectoral working groups, as well as initiatives aimed at improving public services, developing infrastructure and resolving the everyday problems of residents on both banks of the Dniester.

At the same time, Moldova’s representative rejected claims regarding an alleged economic blockade of the Transnistrian region, emphasizing that economic realities contradict these allegations. Presently, more than 77 per cent of the exports of companies from the region are directed to the European Union market, confirming the benefits of access to the European market and economic integration.

A central topic of the statement was the human rights situation in the Transnistrian region. Victoria Rosa drew attention to persistent violations of fundamental rights and freedoms, including cases of arbitrary detention, restrictions on freedom of expression and movement, practices involving the militarization of children, as well as the difficulties that educational institutions providing instruction in Romanian continue to face. In the context, she stressed the importance of continuing the work of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, including its role in facilitating dialogue and supporting efforts to protect human rights.

Referring to security developments in the region, the diplomat highlighted the direct impact of the Russian Federation’s aggression was against Ukraine on the Transnistrian settlement process and on the security of Moldovan citizens on both banks of Dniester. In particular, she condemned repeated violations of Moldova’s national airspace by Russian drones, including incidents in which they crashed on the territory of Moldova, posing direct threats to the security of the population and civilian infrastructure.

During the meeting, Moldova reiterated its call for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian Federation’s military forces, equipment and ammunition illegally stationed on its territory, in accordance with the commitments undertaken at the 1999 OSCE Istanbul Summit and the provisions of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 72/282 of 2018.

Moldova’s position was also reaffirmed regarding the need to transform the current peacekeeping mechanism into a multinational civilian mission under an appropriate international mandate that would contribute to strengthening security and stability in the region.

In conclusion, Ambassador Victoria Rosa emphasized that the peaceful reintegration of the country, progress in the European integration process and ensuring the rights, freedoms and security of all citizens, regardless of which bank of the Dniester they live on, stayed fundamental priorities of Moldova.

The Russian Federation was also urged to end its war of aggression against Ukraine, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova and fully honor its international commitments regarding the withdrawal of military forces from the country’s territory.

The Permanent Council is the OSCE’s principal decision-making body for regular political consultations and coordinates the organization’s ongoing activities. Plenary meetings provide participating States with a platform to discuss security issues and political developments in the region.