New head of OSCE Mission Claus Neukirch arrives in Moldova

CHISINAU, 7 September 2018 – The Italian OSCE Chairmanship has appointed Claus Neukirch of Germany as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. He will also serve as the OSCE mediator in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process.

Neukirch succeeds Michael Scanlan who completed his term as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova in August.

“I am happy to be assuming this important post at this time of unprecedented progress in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process. I look forward to working with all the participants of the 5+2 format to further nurture the output-based dynamic of the negotiation process, in keeping with the Mission’s mandate,” said Neukirch.

Previously, Neukirch served as the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Albania, Senior Political Advisor to the German OSCE Chairmanship, Deputy Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. He has over 20 years of professional experience in the OSCE area and holds a PhD in Political Science.

The core mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is to help achieve a lasting, comprehensive political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transdniestria within Moldova.

The mandate of the OSCE Mission to Moldova is endorsed and renewed every year by all 57 OSCE participating States, including the Republic of Moldova.