Moldova to enter operational phase of visa liberalization talks in October

In October, Moldova could receive the road map for negotiating the liberalized visa regime with the EU, Prime Minister Vlad Filat said Friday in a news conference that centered on the results of his visit to Brussels, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Premier said he had the possibility of discussing with the Presidents of the Council of Europe and the Parliament of the European Union and other European officials who support Moldova. In the meeting with Cecilia Malmstrom, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs, the two officials took stock of the reforms implemented in Moldova in justice and internal affairs. The Premier informed about the formulation of the integrated border management strategy, about the approval of the law on foreigners, about the decision to issue biometric passports from January 1, 2011. There were also discussed the facts found by the four EU assessment missions to Moldova. According to the Premier, there are real preconditions for Moldova to enter the operational phase of the visa liberalization talks. Asked what the road map will contain, Vlad Filat said it will include measures aimed at increasing the capacity of a number of state institutions so that they meet the European standards. Among these institutions are those who manage migration, ensure the security of the documents and personal data. He said that the securization of the identification papers of the Transnistrians would be a problem. The experience of other countries shows that once obtained, this road map can be implemented in 16-18 months.