European Parliament encourages Ukraine to impose travel ban on Transnistrian leaders

The European Parliament encourages Ukraineto join in the restrictive measures taken by the EU against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of Moldova. This recommendation is included in the Resolution on strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy adopted Thursday, November 15. The authors of the Resolution argue that the move will make a further significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. Charles Tannock, one of the authors, considers that the frozen conflicts in the ex-Soviet states must constitute a priority for the EU. He also advocates for the necessity of a permanent inter-parliamentary dialogue between the EU and the countries with territorial disputes, as well as Ukraine, with Russia and Turkey acting as observers. The Resolution also reads that the current negotiations with Ukraine should result in the conclusion of an association agreement which contributes efficiently and credibly to Ukraine's prospects in Europe and initiates the corresponding process, including the possibility of EU membership. A corresponding approach should be taken in relations to Moldova, given that the initial period of ten years in force of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is due to expire in June 2008, reads the Resolution, quoted by Info-Prim Neo.