Moldova's integration with EU won't hinder Transdniestrian settlement process - PM

CHISINAU. April 20 (Interfax) - Moldova's course towards integration with the European Union will not hinder the Transdniestrian settlement process, and the problem will be resolved exclusively by peaceful methods, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean said.

"Moldova will continue to maintain peace and security in the region, and its course towards integration with the European Union is not an impediment to settling the Transdniestrian conflict. The Transdniestrian problem will be resolved exclusively by peaceful methods," the government press service quoted Recean as saying at a meeting with the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office's Special Representative for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process Thomas Mayr-Harting and head of the OSCE mission to Moldova Kelly Keiderling on Thursday.

Recean underlined the need to promote programs "which build confidence between both banks of the Dniester, including on the economy and social security affairs," the press service said.

The sides discussed regional security and the current format of Transdniestrian settlement negotiations, the press service said. "The OSCE special representative praised the current dialogue in the 1+1 format and reaffirmed the organization's readiness to provide necessary assistance in settling the conflict," it said.

Mayr-Harting is visiting Moldova at the instruction of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, North Macedonia Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani. He will meet with the Moldovan leadership in the morning and travel to the unrecognized Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic in the afternoon to meet with members of the Transdniestrian administration.