19/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - EU welcomes breakthrough. On Wednesday 18 April, the EU high representative welcomed the “breakthrough” in the official discussions on the conflict between Moldova and the separatist region of Transnistria during the 5+2 meeting (Moldova, Transnistria, Russia, Ukraine, OSCE, and the EU and US as observers) in Vienna on the 17-18 April. Catherine Ashton was delighted with this development and said that an “agreement was reached on the principles and procedures for the conduct of negotiations and on the substantial scope of the agenda for the future talks”. She emphasised that “this is an important achievement, which should provide new momentum towards a comprehensive settlement” and commended “the participants on the political will and flexibility shown, and the significant efforts made by the Irish Chairmanship in Office of the OSCE in this process. The EU looks forward to a fruitful and substantial next round of talks in Vienna in July.” (CG/transl.fl)