Moldova will not advance on the path of European integration if it underperforms in combating corruption, identifying and punishing the corrupt, investigating and resolving corruption cases in an effective and prompt manner, and in making progress in recovering criminal assets, declared Minister of Justice Veronica Mihailov-Moraru in her opening remarks at the General Assembly of Prosecutors, held on Wednesday after a hiatus of almost three years.

“Moldovan citizens expect an independent, strong, fair and integral prosecutorial system”, Mihailov-Moraru told prosecutors.

According to the minister, to achieve the stability and functionality of state institutions, it is crucial that everyone gets involved, including the prosecutors. Mihailov-Moraru also stressed that it is important to have a Superior Council of Prosecutors “with whom we can go through this justice reform process and with whom we can solve the problems accumulated over time”.

Veronica Mihailov-Moraru assured the prosecutors that the Ministry of Justice remains an open partner for dialogue and interaction, adding that the prosecutors, in turn, must undertake a prompt and efficient activity.

“Only a country based on the rule of law, built on strong and morally upright institutions, which can effectively intervene at any time increases the confidence of the international community and ensures a safe environment for foreign investment. And this leads directly to higher living standards and improved economic stability”, declared Minister Mihailov-Moraru.

At today’s meeting, the General Assembly of Prosecutors voted to postpone electing new members to the Superior Council of Prosecutors until the next meeting. The decision was taken with the vote of 258 out of 467 prosecutors registered at the event, to allow more time to three candidates who have contested their non-pass pre-verting results.