Radoslaw Sikorski: Moldova-EU relationship depends on fairness of elections

The strengthening of the relationship between Moldova and Poland, between Moldova and the European Union, depends on the free and fair unfolding of the July parliamentary elections, Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated in Chisinau on Friday, July 24, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Polish minister also said that the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict and of the problems of Moldova with its neighbors depends on the democratization process. Radoslaw Sikorski has also met Moldova’s acting president Vladimir Voronin, opposition and civil society leaders. The minister has also represented the Swedish presidency of the EU and the Greek presidency of the OSCE. “Free elections do not mean only counting ballots, but also media freedom, correct compilation of voter lists, democratic conditions for all electoral competitors,” said Radoslaw Sikorski. Moldova’s foreign minister Andrei Stratan said that “Sikorski’s visit in the election race demonstrates the EU’s interest for not allowing the repetition of a new chaos in Moldova.” “We are certain this poll will unfold according to the European requirements. It is in everybody’s interest that the political situation in Moldova should stabilize and we should continue on our European integration path,” Stratan said. “We do care about Moldova and that is why we watch over the events in this country. We were concerned with the April events and we hope they won’t repeat. If Moldova really wants to integrate into the EU, to respect the European values, we are open to stretch a helping hand,” Sikorski said. The ministers talked about liberalizing visas and trade between Moldova and the EU. “Please, give us reasons, to liberalize the visa regime for Moldova,” stated the Warsaw foreign minister. Poland is Moldova’s ninth trade partner.