Joint Statement of Presidents of Ukraine and Russia on Transnistrian problem settlement

Thus, they proceed from the need to resolve the Transnistrian problem exclusively by peaceful political means through equal dialogue aimed at determining the special, reliably guaranteed status of Transnistria, based upon the observance of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, constitutional neutrality and formation of common legal, economic and defense space.

The Countries-Guarantors will continue concerted efforts to restore mutual understanding between the Republic of Moldova and Transnistria and urge them to refrain from unilateral actions that can complicate the regional situation and the prospects for settlement. In this context, expert groups created by Chisinau and Tiraspol aiming to build trust on the Dniester in trade-economic, transport, humanitarian and other areas will get maximum assistance.

Ukraine and the Russian Federation emphasized the important stabilizing role of the current peacekeeping operation in the region and advocate constructive interaction of all its components. The Guarantor Countries note that in Moscow Declaration of 18 March 2009 the parties supported transforming the current operation into the peace guaranteeing under the auspices of the OSCE in the context of the Transnistrian conflict settlement, and confirm their readiness to take active part in that.

Ukraine and the Russian Federation, in contact with international partners, intend to facilitate creation of the appropriate conditions for resuming the work of "The Permanent Political Council in the Negotiations on the Transnistrian Settlement" with participation of political representatives of the Republic of Moldova and Transnistria, mediators from Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE and observers from the European Union and the United States.

Guarantor Countries are convinced that close cooperation and coordination of efforts of all participants of the negotiation process in the 5+2 format can stir up the achievement of comprehensive and sustainable political settlement on the Dniester.

Kyiv, May 17, 2010