Foreign Affairs on May 16–31, 2007

European integration

NCEI sitting

The National Commission for European Integration (NCEI) has held a sitting in the period covered by this issue of e-journal. Andrei Stratan, minister of foreign affairs and European integration, has assessed the process of implementation of the European Union — Moldova Action Plan (EUMAP) at the NCEI sitting. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MFAEI) has recommended that the hearings of public authorities begin in June, given the high number of measures from action plans that must be implemented in the first quarter. Stratan stated that ministerial functionaries have met civil society representatives who work out the Euromonitor. In the context, it was noted that the Foreign Ministry receives different signals from NGOs, though ministries report a faultless cooperation with civil society. It was indicated a case when the Ministry of Transportation and Road Management has reported with delay an assistance programme in which specialised local NGOs could participate, as an example of the limited opening and non-transparent activity of ministries.

Also, Stratan drew the attention on cases of inhuman treatments applied by police representatives, fearing that they raise doubts over efficient training of police in human rights field. The minister underlined the groundless delaying of procedures for registration of NGOs.

He also indicated some failed measures stipulated by action plans. In particular, he outlined the late adoption of a package of laws against corruption, money laundering, and of relevant international conventions. Also, it was noted that Moldova should institute by March 30 an independent national mechanism to monitor the torture, but the necessary draft laws were delivered for an expertise last May. The minister warned over a possible delay in adjusting the law on meetings to European standards, non-functioning of the law adjustment centre, failure to work out a programme on sectoral decentralisation of central bodies of public administration, contradictory opinions of the Prosecutor-General’s Office and European experts and civil society regarding reformation of this institution, slow progress in restarting the activity of the national energy preserving agency, adding that the procedures for appointment of a national contact point in charge with facilitating the society establishing procedures have not been launched so far.

According to Stratan, the European Commission Delegation in Chisinau hosted a Moldova-E.U. joint video conference on April 20, at the initiative of MFAEI, regarding the implementation of the EUMAP regulations on human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and supremacy of law. European experts have revealed the following shortcomings in implementing the EUMAP regulations on justice and human rights: the independence of mass media and the media pluralism are not ensured in the case of Antena C and Euro TV; the unclear separation of investigation functions between the Prosecutor-General’s Office, the Interior Ministry, and the Centre for the Struggle Against Corruption and Economic Crimes; the low level of reforms on justice; shortcomings related to registration of parties and NGOs; limited editorial independence of TRM; problems related to conduct of police bodies; delayed creation of the department for judicial administration in the Ministry of Justice; faulty implementation of the Broadcasting Code; delayed ratification of the U.N. Convention Against Corruption; exaggerated duration of proceedings; deficiencies with the selection and assignment of judges; etc.

This state of things cannot be tolerated, Stratan said. Finally, he emphasised that Moldova must demonstrate by June 19, when Luxembourg will host a sitting of the Moldova-E.U. Cooperation Council, that it has achieved progresses, so that “the implementation term of EUMAP not to be extended for another period.”

New Moldovan ambassador to European Communities

On May 16, the Government appointed Daniela Cujba as ambassador of Moldova to the European Communities. Previously, Cujba has chaired the Foreign Ministry’s directorate general for political relations with E.U.

Signing of the cooperation memorandum between MFAEI and NGOs

A memorandum on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova and civil society organisations was signed on May 30. The document was signed by Andrei Stratan, minister of foreign affairs and European integration, and representatives of 23 nongovernmental organisations, alliances, networks and forums. The memorandum is open for signing by all public organisations interested to support and assist authorities in accomplishing the European integration goal.

Common Application Centre (CAC)

Starting May 21, Moldovan citizens will be able to apply for Danish and Icelandic visas at the CAC. According to Mihaly Bayer, Hungarian ambassador in Chisinau, Estonia could be the next state to join the CAC in August, and Sweden, Luxembourg and Cyprus are considering the opportunity of participating in this centre. At present, the CAC accepts visa applications for Hungary, the country which Embassy hosts the CAC, Austria, Latvia and Slovenia. Bayer noted that CAC has received about 25 visa applications a day in the first month of work and their number is on the rise. Overall, CAC has received approximately 500 visa applications: 38 percent for Hungary, 33 percent for Austria, 28 percent for Latvia and 1 percent for Slovenia.

Bilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Romania

Romanian President Traian Basescu has reiterated, at the summit of Central European states in Brno, the Czech Republic, the interest of Bucharest to see Moldova capturing “the E.U. attention for a future round of the enlargement process.”

At the same time, many Romanian officials including Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and Foreign Minister Adrian Cioroianu have resumed the talks on the need of signing a political treaty between Romania and Moldova, in order to normalise the relations between the two states. Elsewhere, Cioroianu underlined the importance of ensuring the “Five-Plus-Two” negotiations, as many media outlets have reported a possible secret deal on Transnistrian problem between Chisinau and Moscow.

Another register of problems refers to a statement by Moldovan Minister of Education and Youth Victor Tvircun, who said that Moldova will refuse again in 2007 to sign a student exchange protocol with Romania. According to Tvircun, “the offer of Bucharest is unattractive. Moldova has enough universities which have an offer like the one of Romania and provide quality education.”

It is worth to recall that Moldova and Romania did not sign student exchange protocols starting 2002 because of Moldova’s unwillingness. However, Romania has continued awarding scholarships to Moldovan citizens. According to the Bucharest Ministry of Education, Romania will award scholarships to Moldovan youths in 2007 as well. Among 2000 scholarships offered in 2007, 850 scholarships are for education of Moldovan youths in high schools and 1,150 for higher and post-graduation education.

Republic of Moldova — Ukraine

Chisinau hosted bilateral consultations between Foreign Ministries of Moldova and Ukraine on May 29. The sides exchanged opinions regarding relations between these countries and the E.U., the impact of the European Neighbourhood Policy on reform processes in the two states and the process of implementation of Action Plans signed with E.U.

According to Moldpres news agency, the sides considered also aspects linked to the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict and Moldova-Ukraine cooperation in this area.

Regional cooperation

Republic of Moldova — CEI

On May 18, Sofia hosted the summit of foreign ministers of Central European Initiative (CEI) member states. Valeriu Ostalep, deputy minister of foreign affairs and European integration, represented Moldova at the meeting.

According to a press release by MFAEI, the forum focussed on concept on reorganisation of CEI, the progressive report on repositioning of CEI, the 2008 budget of the CEI Cooperation Fund, etc. Participants decided that Moldova takes over the CEI Presidency in November 2007.

Multilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — CIS

The Ukrainian city of Yalta hosted on May 25 the summit of CIS prime ministers. Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev represented Moldova at that meeting. Participants outlined the need of using better the cooperation potential in CIS, this being a wish which is traditionally raised at CIS summits for many years.

Participants examined documents, including the draft agreement on creation of a joint electro-energy market for CIS member states and the draft agreement on cooperation against counterfeited drugs.

The Russian city of Sankt-Petersburg hosted on May 30 the 28^th plenary sitting of the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (CIS/IPA). The sitting was dedicated to the 15^th anniversary of CIS/IPA. President Vladimir Voronin and a group of Moldovan parliamentarians led by Speaker Marian Lupu attended the sitting on behalf of Moldova.

President Voronin stressed in his speech the importance of CIS for Moldova, noting that Moldova has no plans to “withdraw from CIS” though it aims at joining the E.U. Thus, Voronin hinted that Moldova would be interested in counting its interests towards the two integrationist models.

e-democracy.md