EU signs deal with Moldova offering closer political, trade ties

AP Worldstream
Feb 22, 2005

The European Union signed a new action plan with Moldova on Tuesday to
establish closer trade and political ties aiming to stabilize the
former Soviet Republic.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner urged
Moldova to “demonstrate its commitment to our shared values” of
democracy and human rights.

“It must take up the challenge and set the pace,” Ferrero-Waldner said
in a statement after the EU talks with the European neighbor.

She urged Moldova to ensure that upcoming elections are “free and
fair.” The 25-nation bloc plans to send observers to monitor the March
6 parliamentary vote there.

The EU and the United States have expressed concern about the fairness
of the elections, saying the campaign was being marred by biased media
coverage and police harassment of opposition candidates.

Tuesday’s signing of the so-called action plan is part of the EU’s new
“neighborhood policy,” which aims to boost political and trade ties,
but not offer eventual membership.

Moldova has been locked in a dispute with the eastern region of
Trans-Dniester, which broke away after a 1992 war that left 1,500
people dead. Its separatist government is not recognized
internationally, but receives strong support from Russia.

The EU signed a similar deal with Ukraine on Monday.

EU diplomats hope the policy would help bring peace, stability and
prosperity beyond the EU’s new eastern borders.

Other countries included in the policy include the Caucasus states of
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; as well as Morocco, Mauritania,
Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian
Authority and Israel.

Over the next three to five years, these countries will be offered
closer political ties, access to EU research, education and other
programs, better trade terms and transport links and EU help in
fighting organized crime, illegal drugs and immigration.