Many things are declared in Moldova, though more progress is needed – William Hill

The Government from Chisinau has drafted and signed the Action Plan with the European Union and in this way it committed to undertake a series of reforms, several democratic campaigns took place but in the last years, some constraints have been registered, the head of OSCE Mision in Moldova, William Hill declared within an interview offered to the “Timpul de dimineata” newspaper. He mentioned in this context about the local elections in 2003, those from UTA “Gagauz-Yeri”. “International bodies can see this. It is inadmissible. Chisinau must implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe, European Union and OSCE”, William Hill said. At the same time the diplomat is concerned with the media’s situation in Moldova. Hill says that the press in Moldova is not very well developed. According to the quoted source “if we compare the Romanian and Moldovan media the difference is obvious, it is possible to affirm that in Romania the press is free. The state does not interfere, the journalists write whatever they want and the public opinion decides what to choose”. According to Hill the recommendation of the Council of Europe on the reform of public radio and TV are ignored in Moldova. “It is needed to open the media market to foreign and local investors and to liberalize the process of license remittance in the field”, the diplomat specified. “If Moldova wants a European future it must comply with certain standards, all the more as it has the example of Romania, where the free press contributes much to the wellbeing of the society”, the OSCE diplomat told. Regarding Chisinau authorities’ declarations on European integration, Hill says: “a lot is declared, but more progress is needed”. He says that “in fighting corruption, the Council of Europe and the government undertook real actions especially in the field of customs services and border-guards in order to ensure control on the border”. If in other areas the same thing would happen – the effect would be tangible, and the relationships with European countries would become more prodigious. “It is important to fight corruption not only against political opposition but against all corrupt persons. The results count. In several areas it can be seen, but in others – a lot of work must be done”, the ambassador declared. Concerning the settlement of the Transnistrian dispute, Hill says that it is important to resume negotiations. William Hill held the office of head of the OSCE Mission in Moldova during two seats. At the end of July 2006 he will end his mission in the Republic of Moldova.