CHISINAU -- Moldovan Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has called for talks on ending the decades-old standoff with the breakaway region of Transdniester.



In an interview with National Radio of Moldova, Leanca said Moldova will not have a "fully functioning system unless we return the Transdniester region back to the country's single political, economic, and cultural space."



He praised the "small steps" toward a settlement that the previous government of Vlad Filat initiated, but said he sees no possibility of a breakthrough at present.



He said his government would continue "making little steps" and "building trust," adding that he would welcome direct talks with Transdniestrian leader Yevgeny Shevchuk.



In a post on his Facebook page, Leanca also said Moldova must make its integration with the European Union "irreversible."





With reporting by Interfax

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