European Commission says the new customs regime does not constitute blockade

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, according to a declaration of the European Commission. The Commission notes that 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. The Commission recalls that a similar arrangement was in place between Moldova and Ukraine from May 2003 until August 2004, and did not lead to any problems. The 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, it said. The transit of Transnistrian commodity flow over the Moldovan-Ukrainian border is allowed on basis of the Moldovan customs stamps only, starting March 3.