Benita Ferrero-Waldner confident parties in Moldova will work to put an end to political instability

“I am delighted that the new government has made closer relations with the EU central to its programme. I hope that all parties in Moldova will work now to put an end to political instability so that the country can focus on tackling its important challenges.” The statement was made by Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who will be paying an official visit to Moldova during 26-27 November. According to the European official, the EU can help Moldova build for its future. “We are ready to step up our cooperation to unleash the full potential of our relationship. Another chapter in our relations will open in January with the negotiations on a New Agreement that will replace and go further than our current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. I am certain that the agreement will bring tangible benefits to Moldovan and EU citizens,” Benita Ferrero-Waldner said before her departure to Chisinau. During her stay she will have meetings with Acting President and Speaker of the Parliament Mihai Ghimpu, Prime Minister Vlad Filat, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca, as well as presidential candidate Marian Lupu and members of the opposition and with civil society representatives. Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will deliver a speech in the Parliament of Moldova and visit a children's village established by "Concordia", an organisation founded by Father Georg Sporschill. This is the first visit by Commissioner since the elections in July 2009 and is an important sign of the Commission's support for the Moldova on its path towards political and economic stability. In her meetings Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner will emphasise the need for Moldova to continue efforts for the effective implementation of economic and political reforms and to fully cooperate with the international financial institutions. The Commissioner will express the EU's intention to accelerate the development of the EU relationship with Moldova, making full use of the opportunities of the Eastern Partnership including the launch in January of negotiations for a new contractual agreement with Moldova to replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and the promise of continued financial assistance to help the country cope with the financial and economic crisis in the country. She will equally express the EU's continuing engagement in the Transnistrian settlement efforts, it is said in a press release from the Delegation of the European Commission to Moldova, quoted by Info-Prim Neo.