Benita Ferrero Waldner: New customs rules do not constitute blockade on Transnistrian region

The introduction of the new customs rules for Transnistrian economic agents at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border is not an economic blockade on the region on the left bank of the Dniester river, this statement of the European commissioner for foreign policy and neighbourhood, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, was delivered by the chairman of the European Commission representation in Kiev, Yen Boug. ”The purpose of these measures is to ensure transparency of border operations, allowing any legitimate goods to pass the border between Moldova and Ukraine freely. These measures do not in any way constitute a blockade,” reads the statement. The European Commission is following closely developments on the border between Moldova and Ukraine, Benita Ferrero Waldner said. She recalled that the European Union's Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine is present on the ground, and constantly monitors the situation. She said that the European Commission appreciates the determination with which Moldova and Ukraine are putting in place the necessary measures to implement the Joint Declaration on customs matters that Prime Ministers Yekhanurov and Tarlev issued on December 30, 2005. „A similar arrangement was in place between Moldova and Ukraine from May 2003 until August 2004, and did not lead to any problems,” Waldner noted. The European Commission condemns any efforts by the self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities to hamper the legitimate movement of goods across the Moldovan - Ukrainian state border and to impede registration of economic operators with the Moldovan authorities. „We will continue to watch developments closely. The EU Border Assistance Mission will continue to provide advice to the countries concerned on the implementation of the Joint Declaration and remains available to assist in tackling any questions that may arise in this context,” Waldner added. The United States and the OSCE support the efforts of Moldova and Ukraine to ensure the legal trade over the state border. The E.U. Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine was inaugurated on November 30, 2005. The working group of the E.U. consists of 120 experts, including 50 representatives of the E.U. and 50 local experts, whole 19 persons work in the mission coordination directorate. The Transnistrian commodity flows are allowed over the Moldovan-Ukrainian border on basis of the Moldovan customs stamps only, starting March 3.