Government accepts NATO’s assistance but refuses membership

The Cabinet approved a national implementation programme of the Individual Action Plan of the Moldova – NATO partnership 2006-2009, in its session on Wednesday, December 6. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Valeriu Ostalep stated that the fact of signing this plan does not mean that Moldova intends to become a NATO member. According to him, Moldova will participate via this plan only in those actions “which present interest and from which we can profit”. Among these actions the minister mentioned the development of the political dialogue with Moldova’s partners which are NATO member-states, technical and financial assistance for security service reform in Moldova, cooperation with European institutions, trainings, participating in common operations etc. The costs of this plan have not been publicized yet. In short time, though, the value of each project is to be established as well as the financing method: budget contribution and financial assistance provided by NATO. According to Ostalep, till present, Moldova benefited from “significant financial assistance” from the North Atlantic Alliance.