EC President appreciated Moldova’s progress, yet remarked the problems it faces in the field of human rights, freedom of press, justice, fighting corruption

Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, says last year was very productive as regards the development of the dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, a process in which Moldova has made significant steps and to the benefit of its citizens. The EC president made this statement after meeting Moldova’s President Vladimir Voronin on Monday, January 14, the presidential press service reports, cited by Info-Prim Neo. At the same time, the EC Chairman underlined the importance of carrying on reforms in Moldova, in particular in the fields of human rights protection, freedom of press, the judiciary and fighting corruption. According to the cited source, Jose Manuel Barroso appreciated Moldova’s achievements under the Moldova-EU Action Plan, at the same time pointing out the importance of implementing the set of laws adopted in accordance with the European norms and standards. The EU official highly appreciated the measures taken towards the consolidation of trust between Chisinau and Tiraspol, launched by President Vladimir Voronin, announcing the EU’s intention to support the Moldovan authorities both financially and with expert advice to help implement them. President Vladimir Voronin said the last three years have been very important for the country both as regards the development of relations with the European Union and as regards the modernisation and democratisation of the country. The head of the state emphasised the importance that the Moldovan officials pay to the issue of EU integration and implementation in this regard of all the necessary steps.