Luxembourg, 25/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Foreign Affairs Council on Monday acknowledged and welcomed the “European aspirations” of Moldova and told the country that it had made “very good progress” in negotiations with the EU on the conclusion of an association agreement. Meeting in Luxembourg, the foreign ministers also reiterated the “inclination of the EU to step up relations” with the country and to provide it with technical and financial assistance in support of its economic and political reforms. The Council also welcomed the opening of EU-Moldova dialogue on visa liberalisation, which remains a “long-term goal”. The Commission is called upon to put together a draft action plan listing all of the conditions which Moldova must fulfil if it wants to see its visa obligation removed.
Bosnia. Monday's Council also adopted conclusions on Bosnia-Herzegovina, in which the EU27 reiterate their “unequivocal commitment” to the “European perspective” and "”territorial integrity” of the country. Fifteen years after the Dayton agreements, the citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina deserve a “positive step forward on the country's path towards European integration”, stated the ministers, who called upon Bosnia's leaders to commit to constructive political dialogue on the European future of the country. (H.B./transl.fl)