The still unresolved Transnistria conflict was the focus of yesterday's (19 June 2007) talks between the EU and the Republic of Moldova. Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed in particular the resumption of direct talks between Moldova and Russia which, however, had to be conducted in a spirit of transparency towards their neighbours. He expressed the hope that they would provide fresh impetus for the Five-Plus-Two talks on resolving the Transnistrian conflict. Ukraine, Russia, the OSCE, the US, the EU as well as Tiraspol and Chisinau are taking part in the talks. Federal Minister Steinmeier assured Moldova of Europe's continued support in the efforts to resolve the conflict. The EU mission to help monitor the Molodovan-Ukrainian border is a key element of this support.
Federal Minister Steinmeier stressed that the cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Moldova "had gained considerable momentum" since the entry into force of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan in 2005. He went on to say that great political importance was attached to this Action Plan in Moldova and that it was at the centre of the Government's reform efforts. It was crucial that the reform course embarked upon be vigorously continued. Particular attention should be paid to improving the investment climate and combating corruption. Nor did the media enjoy sufficient freedom or independence as yet, something which had been evident, for example, during the recent local elections in Moldova (3 and 17 June 2007). Federal Minister Steinmeier called to mind that a free and independent media was the basis for a vibrant democracy.
The greatest challenge facing the Republic of Albania at present are the presidential elections. The parliamentary process for the election of a new President enters into its decisive phase today (20 June 2007) with the first ballot in Parliament. The EU representatives called upon all political forces in Albania to cooperate constructively. They stated that a stabilization of the political climate in Albania was essential if the necessary reforms were to be implemented resolutely. This was a prerequisite for closer ties with the EU. Enhanced reform efforts were especially necessary in the sphere of electoral law and in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
With regard to the Kosovo status process, the Albanian Foreign Minister Lulezim Basha underscored his country's support for the Ahtisaari Plan. He said Albania wanted to continue its role as a stabilizing mediator in the region and to advance "shoulder to shoulder" with the EU in this question which is so crucial to the stability of the entire Balkans.
The talks with the Republic of Moldova and the Republic of Albania took place on the fringes of the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Luxembourg on 19 June 2007.
For the audio recording of Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier's opening statement at the press conference of the EU Troika meeting with Ukraine, please visit www.eu2007.de.
