22/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 February, the Foreign Affairs Council regretted the fact that no substantial progress had been made towards a political settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, and decided to extend “restrictive measures” (ban on visas provided for by Common Position 2008/160/CFSP and extended by Common Position 2009/139/CFSP) against certain members of the de facto Transnistrian authorities for a further period of 12 months. However, in order to encourage progress, the Council decided at the same time to suspend the implementation of the restrictive measures until the end of September 2010. By that date, the Council will review the suspension of the restrictive measures and the visa ban list in the light of how the situation develops, it is stipulated in the conclusions adopted on Monday. The EU27 also confirm their commitment to continue strengthening the political association and economic integration of the Republic of Moldova with the EU. Negotiations with a view to an association agreement have been underway since 1 January 2010. (H.B./transl.jl)