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Lavrov: New format of mission in Transdniestria not on agenda

“When all obstacles are removed we can agree on a new format of the international presence in the Moldovan breakaway region,” the Russian minister said

MOSCOW, July 24 (Itar-Tass) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said a new format of the international peacekeeping mission in Transdniestria, Moldova’s breakaway region, is not on the agenda.

“One said Russia sought to settle the conflict as soon as possible because this would help withdraw ammunition, which was designed to guarantee security of Russian troops,” Lavrov said after the talks with Moldovan Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman on Wednesday.

“When all obstacles are removed we can agree on a new format of the international presence in the Moldovan breakaway region,” the Russian minister said.

“We believe that first of all it is necessary to determine the special status of Transdniestria and guarantee it within preserving sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. We seek to do this as soon as possible. But all does not depend on us. The parties themselves assume key responsibility,” Lavrov stressed, adding that the parties should give up extreme positions in order to start talks. “Russia will do its best to create conditions for launching the talks,” he said.

“We don’t want to delay the solution. This should be done by reaching mutual understanding and strengthening mutual trust,” Lavrov said.