CHISINAU. Feb 14 (Interfax) - Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu has affirmed Chisinau's commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict and the pullout of Russian forces from the region through talks.
"Chisinau will seek to achieve a settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict and the pullout of Russian forces exclusively by peaceful means," Popescu said at a joint press conference with Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Bujar Osmani on Tuesday.
"Peaceful reintegration remains our goal both at the international level and inside the country, which we seek to achieve through dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations. We also seek to achieve Russia's withdrawal of its forces and weapons illegally stationed in our territory. This is a key goal of our foreign policy, yet we will attain this goal exclusively by peaceful means, negotiations and diplomacy," he said.
"The OSCE has played an important role in supporting the peaceful settlement process. We are taking efforts towards further dialogue and stability," Popescu said.
Negotiators from Chisinau and Tiraspol were due to have a meeting on February 17, but it is unlikely to be held now that the Moldovan government tendered its resignation last week. The new government is expected to be confirmed on February 16-17.