Thank you, Acting Head of Mission, for the work of your team over the last six months and for helpful presentation this morning. In the spirit of utilising your time to engage in dialogue, allow me to keep this statement brief and ask two questions.
The United Kingdom fully supports the continued work of the Mission across its three lines of action during the reporting period, particularly in promoting dialogue between communities, monitoring in and around the Security Zone, and supporting access of Transnistrian residents to documentation and healthcare services. We reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.
The UK reiterates our congratulations to Moldova on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections on 28 September, despite attempts by malign actors to weaponise the information environment and subvert Moldova’s democracy. The UK will continue to support Moldova in defending its democratic institutions from Russian interference – including through our close engagement on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation.
The UK also welcomes the recent statements from the Government of Moldova on the announcement of work towards an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. I’d be interested in your views, Acting Head of Mission, on how the OSCE Mission can best support this process.
Secondly, you referenced the high vacancy rate and the challenges in retaining staff. To what extent would agreement of a Unified Budget – even one at Zero Nominal Growth – positively impact the day to day working of the Mission?
In closing, I would like to reiterate that the UK will continue to support the OSCE Mission to Moldova in delivering across all areas of its mandate, and to Moldova’s continued peace and stability.
Thank you, Mr Chair.