Brussels, 02/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 30 April, a spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomed the resumption of rail freight services on 26 April in the region of Transnistria, a separatist region of Moldova, saying it was first and foremost a crucial stage in the restoration of confidence among parties in the Transnistria question and excellent news for business and people living on either side of the Nistru /Dniester. Saying the Commission was happy that EU technical experts had been able to find a practical solution, the spokesperson added that the Commission was now awaiting further developments that will facilitate the restoration of confidence, such as a resumption of telecoms links on either side of the river.
On 27 April, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle said the resumption of rail freight was “a telling example of what far-sighted political will can achieve through dialogue.” Rail freight, which had been halted in March 2006, resumed following an agreement between Transnistria and Moldova on 30 March 2011. (CG/transl.fl)