OSCE Says Transdniester Talks Delayed

(RFE/RL)

March 30, 2006 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said an upcoming round of talks between Moldova and its separatist Transdniester region has been postponed.

Tensions flared this month when Moldova and neighboring Ukraine introduced tougher customs controls. Officials in Transdniester denounced the move as an economic blockade.

William Hill, the OSCE representative in Moldova, said today that because of the situation, it has "become absolutely clear" that the next round of talks would not take place. He said the talks were not blocked, only delayed.

Russian-backed Transdniester broke away in 1990, leading to a brief war in 1992. Attempts to broker a peace settlement have failed.

(Reuters, AP, Flux)