European officials said the Moldovan authorities should firmly continue the reforms in the justice sector so as to combat corruption. Otherwise, there is a risk of stagnation and the risk that Moldova will fall into the trap of poverty. The issue was discussed in an international conference themed “The Republic of Moldova: Justice without Corruption” that was organized by the Ministry of Justice with the support of the U.S. Embassy, the American Bar Association/Rule of Law Initiative (ABA/ROLI) and the Council of Europe, IPN reports.
U.S. Ambassador to Moldova William H. Moser said the United States supports the package of laws concerning corruption combating approved by Moldova. “Corruption spread at large scale represents a problem not only for the Government, but also for the foundations of a democratic state. Corruption is a barrier to prosperity and development. Corruption in the justice system is the antithesis of the rule of law,” he stated.
According to him, without the rule of law Moldova cannot prosper as a democratic state with a free market. Though reforms are implemented, Moldova faces major obstacles. “If Moldova really wants to become part of the EU, it must fight corruption. The public servants must be held accountable for acts of corruption. The law enforcement bodies must criminally pursue the public functionaries who break the law. But this is not at all easy,” said William H. Moser, adding that Moldova must not only adopt laws, but also implement them.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said that Moldova is no longer a new country as it proclaimed its independence 22 years ago. He mentioned the €60 million in budget support provided to Moldova for combating corruption. The first tranche of €15 million will be disbursed by the end of this year.
“The key question concerns the implementation and the extent to which the changes envisioned by these projects become systemic changes. We noticed a close connection between the business, politics and bodies that lack transparency. This affected the legal system. Measures are taken to fix certain problems. That’s why I speak about systemic changes,” said Pirkka Tapiola. “If these reforms do not take place and justice does not function, there is a risk of stagnation and the risk that the country will fall into the trap of poverty. The EU will continue to closely work with Moldova.”
Minister of Justice Oleg Efrim said that corruption is deep-rooted in Moldovan society and radical measures are needed to wipe it out. He spoke about the bills intended to fight corruption and to improve the judicial system.
Head of Parliament Igor Corman said that Moldova wants to have impartial justice that will be trusted by all the people. “Important steps have been taken in this direction over the last few years. We enjoy the support of the EU and the U.S., but it is important to realize that good coordination is needed at internal level and to have will,” he stated.
Last week, the Government approved a package of bills defining anticorruption measures. They are aimed at ensuring the implementation of Pillar 4 “Integrity of the Justice Players” of the justice sector reform strategy for 2011-2016.
