Vadim Krasnoselsky, anticipating detailed discussion of the issues on the agenda of the meeting, called it significant and expressed hope for intensifying the negotiation process during the Swedish chairpersonship of the OSCE. He called the agenda voluminous, emphasizing that many issues of concern to the residents of both banks of the Dniester have accumulated. The PMR President outlined aspects confirming the stagnation of the negotiations. He recalled the absence of meetings in the "5 + 2" format in the past year and the gradual equaling to zero of the activities of the expert (working) groups (in September-December 2020, only three such meetings were held). Speaking about the fact that many cite the pandemic as a factor that negatively influenced the development of the dialogue, Vadim Krasnoselsky voiced facts that speak of other background for the freezing of negotiations. He recalled that the positive dynamics of previous years was interrupted in June 2019. An important point is non-signing of the final protocol in Bratislava, then an unsuccessful attempt in Bavaria. The pandemic only exacerbated the situation, said Vadim Krasnoselsky, emphasizing that he personally hoped that the global problem called COVID-19 would unite the world community and, possibly, bring to naught many of the obstacles faced by Pridnestrovians. In practice, it turned out exactly the opposite, stated the PMR President. The delay of goods, including medical supplies, the politicization of the topic of quarantine posts, problems with the functioning of the Vehicle Registration Points - all these are the realities that Pridnestrovians faced in an already extremely difficult pandemic year.
Ann Linde, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity for the direct dialogue and outlined the priorities of the Swedish chairpersonship of the OSCE. She highlighted the issues of security, respect for human rights, the rule of law. The diplomat indicated her readiness to help resolve conflict situations on the territory of Europe. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office noted that the emphasis will be placed on the norms of international law in the settlement of Moldovan-Pridnestrovian relations. She also spoke about the forthcoming work to strengthen the principles of gender equality and democracy. The Swedish diplomat assured that the desire to resolve the conflict will be a priority in the work of the negotiation process, and outlined the desire to organize the "Permanent Conference..." meeting in Stockholm. The interlocutors are in solidarity in the opinion that the basic principles of interaction should be constructivism and focus on practical results, designed to improve people's lives.
