The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said the European Union attaches special importance to the organization of fair, transparent and free elections in the Republic of Moldova. She made the statement in a news conference held alongside Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Meleșcanu on February 1, IPN reports.
“The EU, and not only the EU, either it is about the partner organizations, the Council of Europe or the OSCE, attaches absolute importance to the organization of free, fair and transparent elections. This is our compass and this is what we constantly discuss with our partners, not only from Eastern Europe, but from all over the world. (...) I will not go into details about the political situation in Moldova as our golden rule, especially when it is about the Eastern Partnership, is that we discuss with countries, with the population of these countries, with the institutions of these states. It is not the European Union’s role to have a say in the political situation in the country or with political parties from other states,” stated Federica Mogherini, being quoted on the website of Mediafax.
For his part, Teodor Meleșcanu said he informed Prime Minister Pavel Filip that there is a red line that cannot be crossed by Romania or other EU member states. “Two weeks ago, I made a visit to Chisinau. On this occasion, among many others, when I discussed with the Premier, I made it clear that for Romania, and not only for Romania, but also for the European Union states, there is a red line that cannot be crossed and this is related to correct, democratic and efficient organization of elections in the Republic of Moldova. I said it clearly that it is an essential test on which the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the EU depends. It is a very clear message I convened,” noted Teodor Meleșcanu, referring to the parliamentary elections that will take place in Moldova on February 24.
Teodor Meleșcanu said that for the first time he organized a meeting of all the non-parliamentary pro-European parties of Moldova at Romania’s Embassy in Chisinau. “It was very pleasant to see that all the bodies that exist at the level of society are active. And there we also made sure that we transmitted a message as to the holding of free and fair elections and, simultaneously, told them the opposite of the message I transmitted to Mister Filip – that one should never say never in politics. So, we signaled that they should also consider other possibilities,” stated the official.
The EU foreign ministers took part in an informal meeting known under the name of Gymnich in Bucharest on January 31 and February 1. They discussed the political crisis in Venezuela, the Syrian file and the EU – China relationship. The meeting was chaired by Federica Mogherini.
