Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink, who is in Chisinau on a visit, met today with representatives of civil society to hear their assessment of the situation in Moldova. The official emphasized the United States’ position on the importance of civil society and encouraged the group to continue to contribute to Moldova’s democratic development. She underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusion of the citizens in the government’s decision-making process as well as U.S. support for free and fair elections, IPN reports, with reference to a press release of the U.S. Embassy.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Brink also encouraged efforts to fight corruption and make changes to ensure an independent judiciary - both critical to Moldova’s independence and ability to attract foreign investment.

The official also met with Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues including our shared values and the need for continued reforms to advance the European integration process. The two reaffirmed shared interests between the United States and Moldova, including U.S. support for Moldova’s chosen European path. Deputy Assistant Secretary Brink thanked the foreign minister for the Moldovan government’s attention to the important issue of combatting trafficking in persons.‎

She encouraged Foreign Minister Ulianovschi to continue to implement key reforms required by the Association Agreement, particularly in the banking and justice ‎sectors. She also underscored the importance of implementing anti-corruption measures to ensure Moldova’s independence.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Bridget Brink congratulated Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnic on the substantive progress in the 5 + 2 Transnistria settlement process at the end of last year and encouraged the government to maintain that positive momentum. As the Special Representative of the United States to the 5 + 2 process, Deputy Assistant Secretary Brink emphasized the United States’ continued commitment to a results-oriented process. She urged Deputy Prime Minister Lesnic to conclude the implementation of the remaining “Package of Eight” deliverables in a way that achieves a special status for Transnistria while ensuring a sovereign and territorially whole Moldova.