BRUSSELS -- The European Union's foreign policy chief has called on Moldova and its separatist Transdniester region to "work in a constructive spirit" toward peacefully resolving their long-running dispute.
In a statement issued on June 21, Catherine Ashton backed an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) appeal to the two sides to refrain from unilateral actions following a Transdniestrian decree on marking its borders.
The decree was signed on June 10 by Transdniester leader Yevgeny Shevchuk and included territory that is currently under Moldovan jurisdiction.
Ashton also reaffirmed Brussels' commitment to a settlement through negotiations under the so-called 5+2 format, which includes the two sides plus the OSCE, the European Union, Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.
Moscow-backed Transdniester declared independence from Moldova in 1990 and the two sides fought a short war in 1992.
No country has recognized Transdniester's independence.
In a statement issued on June 21, Catherine Ashton backed an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) appeal to the two sides to refrain from unilateral actions following a Transdniestrian decree on marking its borders.
The decree was signed on June 10 by Transdniester leader Yevgeny Shevchuk and included territory that is currently under Moldovan jurisdiction.
Ashton also reaffirmed Brussels' commitment to a settlement through negotiations under the so-called 5+2 format, which includes the two sides plus the OSCE, the European Union, Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.
Moscow-backed Transdniester declared independence from Moldova in 1990 and the two sides fought a short war in 1992.
No country has recognized Transdniester's independence.
