28 February: The next round of talks on the Transdniestrian settlement in the format Five Plus Two (Moldova, Transdniestria, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Russia, Ukraine and observers from the United States and the E

Moldova’s authorities are showing optimism about the forthcoming meeting after Transdniestia’s new leader, Yevgeny Shevchuk, has taken a number of steps towards normalization of relations with Chisinau. Transdniestria has lifted 100-percent duties on Moldovan goods and has simplified customs and border regimes. From February 2012, two Moldovan television channels are broadcasting in Transdniestria.

“Now Tiraspol is waiting for steps from Chisinau,” Transdniestrian Foreign Minister Nina Shtanski said before leaving for Dublin.