Brussels, 07/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has urged Moldova to continue down the path of reform, doing more to fight corruption, and to try to resolve the conflict over Transnistria. During a visit to Chisinau on 6 July, Van Rompuy underlined that the European Union stood ready - based on its “more for more” principle - to help build up Moldova's democracy if it tackles reforms in key areas. “I come here with a very good message but also asked them to make a lot of efforts and reforms and implement them”, he said. “This goes particularly for those areas which we see as priorities to consolidate Moldova's democratic development, such as the fight against corruption, and the reform of the judicial and law enforcement systems”, he added. The EU sees former-Soviet Moldova as a front runner in its Eastern Partnership scheme, aimed at fostering relations with eastern neighbours.
During his visit, Van Rompuy urged Moldovan leaders and the parliament there to work towards a formal process that would end the dispute over breakaway Transnistria. The OSCE has been trying to broker an agreement, but the last round of talks between the sides in June made no progress. A new round has been scheduled for September, and Van Rompuy expressed hope that they could lead to a resumption of official negotiations. “The region, and especially Moldova and its people, deserve an end to this dispute that has divided the country for far too long”, he said. (LoC)