Finland calls for new solutions to Transnistrian conflict
The five plus two format of negotiations on the Transnistrian conflict has fulfilled its task and therefore new solutions to the issue should be considered, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb said today at a news conference given jointly with Moldovan Foreign and European Integration Minister Iurie Leanca.
The Finnish minister, who is on a working visit to Chisinau, specified that Moldova was on the agenda of all the meetings of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. He said that a new EU-Russia negotiating format was being examined. "EU High Representative Catherine Ashton is to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to find ways to advance in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict," Stubb said.
He also pointed out Finland's support for Moldova. "The country that I am representing is part of the group of Moldova's friends and we back its European aspirations. We believe that Moldova has lately become known and displayed its clear wish to integrate in the EU. Moldova is often in the midst of attention in Brussels. Small countries can integrate in the community more easily and Moldova could be an asset for the EU," Stubb said.
For his part, Iurie Leanca said that the visit to Moldova by the Finnish minister is important both from the point of view of the two countries' bilateral relations and for cooperation with the EU, as Finland plays a significant role in the EU. Leanca also said that he discussed economic cooperation with his counterpart, adding that a special mission of Finnish businessmen would visit Moldova soon.
Moldpres
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