Виголошена Постійним представником України при міжнародних організаціях у Відні Ігорем Прокопчуком на 1214-му засіданні Постійної ради ОБСЄ 31 січня 2019 року

Mr. Chairperson,

The delegation of Ukraine takes a careful note of this current issue and the respective statement of the distinguished Permanent Representative of Moldova.

Ukraine, as a guarantor and mediator in the Transdnistria settlement process, is consistent in actively facilitating the peaceful resolution of this protracted conflict, being guided by the principles of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Republic of Moldova. We welcome the recent positive dynamics in the “5+2” format that allowed to produce a number of practical results.

Against this backdrop we share deep concerns expressed today in connection with the so called “inauguration” on 22 January 2019 in Moscow of a Tiraspol entity that is presented as an "official representation in the Russian Federation" as well as with the attendance of the event by official Russian representatives. This development further compromises the role of the Russian Federation as a mediator in the Transdniestrian settlement process.

It is obvious that in the present-day Russia such an entity would not get established without clearance and support of the highest political authorities of the state. This development reaffirms the enormous gap between Russia’s political declarations and commitments and its real policies and actions. The pursuit of these policies employs a variety of instruments, including hybrid warfare methods and use of military force, to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring states and impose its dominance in blatant breach of OSCE principles and commitments, including the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. We strongly and consistently condemn such actions of the Russian Federation.

We call upon the Russian authorities to revoke these latest decisions which encroach upon Moldova`s sovereignty and territorial integrity and run contrary to Russia’s status of mediator in the “5+2” format.

Ukraine expects the OSCE Mission to Moldova to continue providing regular updates on the political and security situation on the ground, in particular in the Transdniestrian region of Moldova and border areas with Ukraine adjacent to Odesa oblast.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.