PACE chairman is optimistic about Moldova's chances to join EU

The chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Lluis Maria de Puig, who's on his first official trip to Moldova, has assured the Moldovan authorities of the whole assistance of the Council of Europe in carrying out the objective of European integration, showing optimism for Moldova's prospect of joining the European Union. The European official made such statements on Monday at the meetings with Moldova's President, speaker, prime-minister and Chisinau's mayor, Info-Prim Neo reports. At the meeting with President Vladimir Voronin, the PACE chairman has underlined his visit is meant to encourage the efforts the Moldovan authorities make on the way of the democratic development of the country, urging them to persevere in implementing the European values and standards. Speaking about the Transnistrian conflict, Lluis Maria de Puig has reiterated the CoE's position to solve the conflict on the basis of the principle of territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. Vladimir Voronin has underlined the need to find the solution within the 5+2 format talks. The Moldovan President has reiterated his availability to carry out the strategic objective of European integration, expressing his confidence in efficiently realizing all the commitments this country has made in its relations with the European institutions. Meeting speaker Marian Lupu, the European official welcomed the Moldovan political will to carry on the democratic reforms, remarking the importance of carrying on the transformations related areas as media and the judiciary, etc. Marian Lupu has appreciated the cooperation between Moldova and the Council of Europe. According to him, the Chisinau Parliament has engaged fully in the process of implementing the European reforms, including by realizing a calendar-type program of honoring the obligations before the CoE, “which practically have been fully realized”, except for the Education Code. It is going to be considered by year-end. Prime-Minister Zinaida Greceanai has told the European official that, in conformity with the assumed commitments, relevant measures are carried out in Moldova related to strengthening democracy. They have broached the 2009 parliamentary elections. The premier has said the Moldovan authorities will make every effort that the poll is organized at the highest level, according to the European, democratic norms and principles. Chisinau's general mayor Dorin Chirtoaca has informed the PACE official on the “main problems of the Moldovan democratic system”, especially related to problems related to the freedom of speech, the access of political parties to the Teleradio-Moldova public broadcaster, to the attempt “of the central authorities to undermine the local authorities.” The PACE chairman has stressed the Council of Europe will not cease monitoring Moldova until it sees clear evidence about carrying out the reforms. The PACE president is visiting Moldova from July 6 to 9.