Resumption of discussions on Transnistria

(BRUSSELS2) The meeting between the Prime Minister of Moldova, Vlad Filat, and the leader of Transnistria, Igor Smirnov, on Monday 21 November, in Bendery and the statement that followed is a tangible sign of the restarting of the negotiation process which had been blocked for five years (2006). At least, that's how it's perceived in Brussels. The spokesperson for the High Representative has just welcomed this meeting, believing that it will allow " contribute positively to the success of the first official meeting in 5+2 format” (Moldova, Transnistria, Russia, Ukraine and OSCE + EU and USA) scheduled for Vilnius on November 30 and December 1. “The High Representative appreciates the efforts of each of the two parties”, he added. Same feeling in Moscow which had called in June for the resumption of dialogue to try to find a solution to a conflict "frozen" since 1991. Transnistria is not recognized by any country but remains "protected" by Russian troops.