The United States believes the formation of the new Parliament and the election of Marian Lupu as Speaker represent another significant step not only toward constituting a new government but also in Moldova’s democratic development. “We commend Moldovan political leaders for the democratic manner in which they conducted often difficult negotiations, and encourage them to continue to work together to enable the prompt formation of a Cabinet and the election of the President,” it is said in a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. The United States reiterates its unwavering support for the aspirations of the Moldovan people to build a democratic, prosperous European state, secure within its internationally recognized borders. “We look forward to working with the new government and leadership of Moldova in 2011 and beyond to accelerate the important structural reforms necessary to realize this vision,” reads the press release. The leader of the PDM Marian Lupu was elected as Speaker of Parliament on December 30 by the vote of 57 of the 101 MPs. The Communist group composed of 42 MPs did not take part in the voting, while another two lawmakers were absent from the sitting. The same day, Marian Lupu became Acting President of Moldova and proposed the president of the PLDM Vlad Filat for Premier. A decree to this effect was signed the next day.