Foreign Affairs on March 2–16, 2009

European Integration

British Parliament releases motion to support Moldova

According to a communication by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and European Integration of Moldova, the House of Commons of the United Kingdom Parliament has released a parliamentary motion “Future of Moldova” to sustain Moldova’s efforts in fulfilling its European integration and country reintegration goals.

The parliamentary motion was worked out by a group of parliamentarians headed by Mr. Alun Michael, member to the British-Moldovan parliamentary friendship group, and was signed by 53 members to the House of Commons. The parliamentary motion supports Moldova’s European integration prospect, with the signing of a new Moldovan-community legal framework which would ensure Moldova’s way forward accession to EU. At the same time, the motion backs the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, calling for the resumption of the “5+2” Transnistrian settlement negotiation process. It highly appreciates the activity of the EU Border Assistance Mission and calls for the extension of its mandate after 2009. (According to MFAEI communication)

General Report on EU activities in 2008

The European Commission has published the General Report on the Activities of the European Union in 2008.

Bilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Bulgaria

During March 12–13, 2009, Bulgarian President Gheorghi Pirvanov was on a formal visit to Chisinau, met Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin and visited the Taraclia-based State University. During bilateral talks, the sides approached issues relating to socio-economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Moldova, as well as topical international matters. In particular, it was mentioned an unused potential of bilateral commercial-economic relations and necessity to implement joint investment projects in future, including with a touristic destination. Speaking about Moldova’s European option, Gheorghi Pirvanov assured that Bulgaria will support the European integration efforts of Moldova. (According to a press release by Moldovan Presidency)

Note by ADEPT: Many political commentators said that the visit of the Bulgarian president in full electoral campaign was part of visits bringing electoral capital to PCRM and aiming less at getting Bulgaria’s support in the European integration process of Moldova, with Bulgaria having many faults within EU.

Multilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova — Council of Europe

ECHR decisions

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) pronounced a decision on Eugenia and Doina Duca vs. Moldova on March 3, 2009. It established violation of the rights to property and fair trial. Non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages will be established under a separate decision.

On March 10, 2009, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights pronounced a decision on Paladi vs. Moldova. The case was resent to the Grand Chamber at the request of Moldovan Government after the 4^th Chamber awarded victory to Paladi vs. Moldova on July 10, 2007. The Grand Chamber confirmed the violation of the right to freedom and security and the right to appeal to the Court, as well as violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ban of torture and degrading treatment). The Court granted 2,080 Euros to the applicant in pecuniary damages, 15,000 Euros in non-pecuniary damages and 7,000 Euros in costs and expenses. (Source: www.echr.coe.int and www.lhr.md)

Visit by Council of Europe Secretary-General Terry Davis

During March 5–6, 2009, Council of Europe Secretary-General Terry Davis was on a working visit to Chisinau, discussed with President Vladimir Voronin, Prime Minister Zinaida Grecianii, and participated in the inauguration of the first promotion of the National Institute of Justice. During discussions, Terry Davis appreciated progresses made by Moldova in some areas, including in terms of alignment to European standards and norms. At the same time, the secretary-general said that these successes are not a reason to relax and Moldovan authorities shall keep developing democratic reforms, strengthening the rule of law and ensuring respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Speaking about forthcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova, Mr. Davis said that the Council of Europe wants these elections to be fair. The CoE Parliamentary Assembly will monitor the electoral process and will work out a report.

e-democracy.md