First stage of implementing visa liberalization plan will last by yearend

Brussels formulated for Moldova a set of recommendations for implementing a number of measures that will allow opening the talks on a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, Acting President and Speaker Marian Lupu said on Wednesday evening, upon his return from the EU's capital, Info-Prim Neo reports. Marian Lupu said the recommendations are technical in character and refer to such areas as trade, the sanitary and phytosanitary sector, Moldova's membership of the World Health Organization. As to the discussions on the liberalization of the visa regime held with European officials, the Head of Parliament said that Moldova is at the first stage of implementing this plan and he assured Brussels that it will be completed by this yearend. He also said that he asked the EU authorities to provide political support so that Moldova is allowed to move to the second stage by the end of this year. Marian Lupu said he reiterated that the European integration is Moldova's top priority at the internal and foreign levels. The EU wants the present administration to run for at least four years and to ensure political stability in Moldova, he stated. Moldova's Acting President stressed that the EU authorities are ready to offer the necessary assistance to Moldova, on the basis of a joint and harmonious agreement within the Alliance for European Integration Asked by the reporters if the European officials spoke about a possible term for electing the head of state, Marian Lupu said that Brussels did not express related concerns and would like the elections to take place when the outcome is positive for Moldova.