Brussels, 27/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 27 December, the Council of Ministers of the EU decided to extend by an additional yea r- until 30 September 2011 - the visa ban against leaders of the region of Transnistria. However, in order to encourage the Tiraspol authorities to work in favour of a political resolution to the conflict in Transnistria, the EU has suspended this sanction for a period of six months (until 31 March 2011). After the period of suspension, the Council will re-examine the restrictive measures in the light of any developments in the situation. The member states on Monday also reiterated their determination to continue their efforts to contribute towards a viable resolution of the conflict in Transnistria “on the basis of the principals of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova”. The EU is also calling for formal talks in the “5+2” group (Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Transnistria, OSCE, the United States and European Union) to resume as soon as possible. (H.B./transl.fl)