Kazakhstan's experience of OSCE presidency will play vital role in the global arena - Ambassador of Moldova to Russia A. Negutsa

ANA. November 25. KAZINFORM /Olzhas Askarov/ As is known Kazakhstan, as OSCE Chair, put a lot of efforts to settle conflicts between the countries in the Organization's area of responsibility. Thus, Kazakhstan paid much attention to the protracted conflict in Transnistria since the first days of its presidency in the Organization.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Moldova to Russia Andrey Negutsa told us about current relations between Moldova and Transnistria, about the role of Kazakhstan in establishing relations with unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic and about their expectations from the OSCE Summit in Astana.

Mr. Negutsa, how does Moldova appraise the results of presidency of Kazakhstan in the OSCE and how effective are the activities of Kazakhstan in resolving the Transnistrian conflict?

Moldova appreciates the activities of Kazakhstan as OSCE Chair. The dialogue on European security has been actively held during this year. The OSCE chaired by Kazakhstan put a lot of efforts to stabilize the situation in Kyrgyzstan. Certainly, one of the main achievements of Kazakhstan as the country presiding in the OSCE was the decision on holding the OSCE Summit this year in Astana.

In the context of the Transnistrian problem we fully support the active role of the Kazakh presidency and personally Special Representative of the OSCE chairing country - Ambassador Bolat Nurgaliyev. Five rounds of informal consultations in '5+2' format have been held over the year and one of them was held in Astana.

What are the current relations between Moldova and Transnistria?

It should be mentioned that the dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol is held strictly within sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

The resolution of this conflict is a priority of the Government of Moldova. Presently, the dialogue goes in two directions: negotiations with political representative from Transnistria and consultations in '5+2' format and strengthening trust between the banks of the Dniester.

Virtually meetings of political representatives from Chisinau and Tiraspol are held monthly. The problems of all the citizens are discussed at them. Unfortunately, we have not started over official political negotiations in '5+2' format, though all of the participants of the format have it as a goal. We hope that thanks to international assistance we will start negotiations again and work on defining the legal status of Transnistria on the basis of principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

Along with the activities on promotion of political dialogue the Government of Moldova has formed its approach to the conflict on the basis of establishing trustful atmosphere between Chisinau and Tiraspol. In this context we expect more activities from expert groups on strengthening trust in addressing problems between both banks of the Dniester. We hope that Transnistrian administration will establish expert group on education and science which would help solve problems of Moldovan schools in teaching based on the Latin alphabet that are located on the left bank of the Dniester.

The new politics in regard to Transnistria has already yielded definite results. On October 1, passenger transportation on the Tiraspol-Chisinau-Odessa railroad was resumed. Recently our Government adopted the Resolution on reestablishment of fixed telephone communication with Transnistria. The obligatory medical insurances are given to the locals of the left bank of the Dniester.

The OSCE Summit is a significant event of the decade. What do you expect from it?

We believe that the OSCE Summit will give an impetus to the political dialogue within the OSCE and to the approximation of positions of the OSCE participating countries on the most relevant issues. Besides, we expect that important documents will be adopted at the Summit. These documents will fully appraise the situation in the OSCE space including the issues of protracted conflicts.

It would be good to adopt, in addition to the political declaration, an action plan for the next few years.

We suppose these documents must cover several provisions on resolution of Transnistrian conflict. For instance, resuming official negotiations in '5+2' format, measures on strengthening trust, etc.

What is the difference between the style of the OSCE presiding country and the activities of the Organization in 2010 and the work of past years?

It is quite difficult to distinguish specific traits that are peculiar to the Kazakh presidency. The work of the OSCE is often based on the results achieved by the predecessors. It is very important that we interact with such experienced and professional team that ensures successful presidency of Kazakhstan in the OSCE. We hold an ongoing dialogue that allows us to share views on relevant issues within the OSCE.

What are the prospects of relations between Moldova and Kazakhstan? In particular, will your country open its representation in Astana?

The relations between Moldova and Kazakhstan are at a very good level. New Ambassador of Moldova to Kazakhstan will be accredited in Astana in 2011. This will give a new impetus to our relations.

What prospects will open for Kazakhstan in the international arena after the chairmanship in the OSCE?

Certainly, chairmanship in the OSCE is an important part of the history of the country and also it is important for the Organization as well. We hope Kazakhstan's experience will play a vital role in the global arena.

The final question we would like to ask you is who will represent Moldova at the OSCE Summit in Astana?

Acting President Mihai Ghimpu will represent Moldova at the Summit of the OSCE in Astana.

Thank you very much for the interview.