It’s hard to underestimate U.S. assistance in counteracting pressure, Vlad Filat

21.05.2014 17:42
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It’s hard to underestimate the U.S. assistance in counteracting the pressure, including economic, exerted by Russia now that Moldova makes progress on the path to the EU, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) Vlad Filat, who is in the United States on a visit, said after a meeting with congressmen Ted Poe and Tom Cotton, IPN reports, quoting a communiqué of the party.

The Liberal-Democratic leader underlined the opportunity of continuing the Compact Program, of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, for ensuring Moldova’s energy independence.

The U.S. officials expressed their full support for Moldova’s European aspirations and pledged to promote Moldova’s cause on the external priorities agenda of the U.S. Tom Cotton said nobody can hamper Moldova’s development in accordance with its own choice.

Vlad Filat also had a working meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of Defense for Russia Evelyn Farkas. The discussions centered on the regional security following the developments in Ukraine and the related challenges to which Moldova is exposed. Vlad Filat said the situation in Ukraine directly affects Moldova owing to the common border and the similar aspirations – to keep the sovereignty and territorial integrity and to build a European future.

The leader of the PLDM gave a public speech at the North-Atlantic Council, before over 100 diplomats, officials of the U.S. Government and Congress, leaders of NGOs and international organizations. He pleaded Moldova’s cause, saying the country wants a European future built on such principles as freedom, democracy, sovereignty and peace. He noted that the road to Europe means implementation of broad reforms in all the areas and that Moldova aims to obtain the status of EU accession candidate and to become a member of the European community within ten years.

Vlad Filat’s visit to the U.S. ends on May 24. Earlier, he had meetings with Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Victoria Nuland, National Security Council Director for Eastern Europe Lyn Debevoise, and congressman Joe Pitts, of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.