Moldova's breakaway republic of Transdnestr is ready to continue talks with Chisinau in the 5+2 format, following Thursday’s first round of the talks, which was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, Transdnestr’s Foreign Ministry said.
“The Transdnestr side has confirmed its readiness for substantial dialogue on the basis of parity, mutual respect and the need to outline the complex system of settlement guarantees,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The 5+2 talks include Russia, Ukraine, the OSCE, Moldova and Transdnestr, as well as the U.S. and the EU, stalled in 2006.
The Russian-speaking province of Transdnestr has maintained de facto independence from Moldova since a brief war in 1992, which erupted from a buildup of tensions following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Joint peacekeeping force of Russian, Moldovan and Transdnestr contingent has been deployed in the area.
Transdnestr seeks full independence, while Moldova says it is only prepared to allow autonomy.
