I deliver this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Estonia.
We align with the statement of the European Union and would like to add a few remarks as the Nordic-Baltic Eight who also visited the mission last year.
We warmly welcome the Head of Mission, Ambassador Christopher W. Smith to his new position, and thank him for his report.
We strongly support the Mission’s work in all dimensions of comprehensive security. You are in a unique position to facilitate dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, promote practical co-operation and build confidence between communities on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.
The 1+1 meeting on 24 September and the agreement to hold another one before the end of the year are welcome signs. This momentum needs to be turned into tangible results in the Working Groups. We reiterate that a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict must be based on Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
We commend the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship and the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Thomas Lenk, for their active engagement in supporting the settlement process and the peaceful reintegration of the country.
Mr. Chair,
The lack of progress in regards to the withdrawal of Russian forces and the Cobasna depot is most disappointing. The Russian Federation has to honour its commitments under the 1999 Istanbul Summit and withdraw its forces and military equipment from Moldova, and to ensure the removal of the ammunition stockpiles.
Instead, we have witnessed Vadim Krasnoselski’s recent visit to Moscow, where he received the Russian Federation’s Order of Honour from President Putin. Unfortunately, this decision by the Kremlin is a political gesture, which undermines trust and efforts towards the peaceful reintegration of the country. It also demonstrates Russia’s continued interference in Moldova’s internal affairs.
We remain deeply concerned by the security implications for Moldova of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the reported UAV incidents on Moldovan territory. The Mission’s report records four UAV incidents in the Security Zone during the reporting period. Its independent monitoring is therefore particularly important, especially when established security mechanisms are unable to agree on the deployment of observers. We call for the Mission to have the access and freedom of movement necessary to carry out this work.
We reaffirm our unwavering support for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, its European aspirations and its efforts to strengthen resilience against external and hybrid threats. We welcome the progress in its EU accession process, including the opening of negotiations on four clusters.
Mr. Chair,
The OSCE Mission to Moldova must be able fulfil its mandate effectively. The 82 monitoring activities carried out during the reporting period demonstrate its valuable contribution to stability and independent reporting. We are concerned by the operational constraints described in the report, including the requirement to pre-notify visits to the left bank. We stress the need for adequate personnel, communications, transport and logistical support.
We call on all participating States to support the annual extension of the Mission’s mandate in line with our joint commitments and ensure that it has the resources and conditions necessary to continue its important work.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.