Foreign Affairs on July 16 – August 1, 2008

European Integration

Joint statement by 11 diplomatic representatives of EU states and institutions in Moldova

On July 17, 9 ambassadors of EU member states (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom) along with the European Commission Delegation and EU Special Representative to Moldova released a joint declaration on democracy and freedom of expression in Moldova. The statement raises the concern of ambassadors with latest political developments and evolutions in the field of the media which could jeopardise free, fair and democratic parliamentary elections in 2009, in particular: actions taken by law enforcement bodies against the media, editorial independence of TeleRadio Moldova, pluralism in broadcasting sector, intensified harassment of opposition political parties and their supporters by law enforcement bodies, increased electoral threshold, prohibition of pre-electoral alliances and ban on holders of multiple citizenship to run elective offices.

European ambassadors called upon Moldovan authorities to deliver the Electoral Code to the Council of Europe and OSCE as soon as possible in order to survey it, and to honour all recommendations by these institutions concerning the electoral threshold, electoral blocs and effective exercising of the right to be elected by all citizens. At the same time, diplomatic missions are ready to cooperate with Moldovan authorities in ensuring the exercising of the right to free expression and good organisation of the 2009 parliamentary elections.

Shortly after the release of the statement, President Vladimir Voronin has replied that Moldova’s image in European capitals is based on rumours, old stereotypes and information taken over from the opposition media only. However, the president continued, Moldovan authorities will do their best to resolve real problems signalled by EU representatives and they will bring “counterarguments” to unconfirmed cases and will inform the EU about real situation in the areas concerned.

Note by ADEPT. This statement comes shortly after PACE President LLuis Maria de Puig has criticised Moldovan authorities during a formal visit to Chisinau for slow democratic and ineffective reforms relating to independence of the media and good functioning of the judicial system and Prosecutor-General’s Office, and raised concerned with new amendments to the Electoral Code.

National Commission for European Integration has a temporary website

The temporary website of the National Commission for European Integration is hosted by the Government website, while the website of the Commission will be launched on September 1, 2008.

Bulgaria simplifies transit regime

Shortly after Romania has simplified the transit regime, Bulgaria introduced a similar regime on July 18, 2008. Citizens of third countries may transit Bulgaria without transit visas by showing the following documents issued by:

Countries in the Schengen area: single visas; long-term visas; stay permits;
Romania: Short-term national visas, long-term stay visas and stay permits;
Cyprus: Short-term national visas, long-term stay visas and stay permits;
Switzerland and Lichtenstein: stay permits.

The term to transit Bulgaria is 36 hours. The right to transit the country without visas will be applied only for a transit purpose. Entrance and exit via border crossing points with the same country, as well as transit are prohibited should the declared route have no connection with stay permits and visas.

Bilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Romania

President Voronin told a news conference held on July 23, over the end of the first semester of 2008 that political relations between Moldova and Romania are at a positive stage, inclusively due to the recent visit by Romanian Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu to Chisinau and latest constructive negotiations between the two countries regarding the basic and border treaties. In addition, the president stressed that the problem concerning the name of the language was remedied and the basic treaty will be signed in official languages of the sides. However, Romania’s decision at high level is needed to develop negotiations.

Note by ADEPT. President Voronin’s optimism is not shared by the Romanian side, which did not release any commentary or statement regarding the progress of negotiations on signing of the basic and border treaties between the two countries, except for a formal press release.

Republic of Moldova — U.S.

The United States has assigned Pakistan-born U.S. citizen Asif Chaudhry as new U.S. ambassador to Moldova. He will take over this office in August.

Multilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Council of Europe

ECHR decisions

The European Court of Human Rights passed a decision on Flux (nr. 6) vs. Moldova on July 29, 2008. Flux claimed the violation of ECHR Article 10 (freedom of expression) in front of the Court, but the ECHR established that the freedom of expression was not violated.

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