Brussels, 05/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 3 March, the Swedish Presidency adopted the following declaration on behalf of the EU:
"The EU welcomes Moldova's free and fair parliamentary elections, held in accordance with international standards. It regrets however that the elections could not take place in Transnistria. The EU hopes to see a further intensification of its relations with Moldova on the basis of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and its principles. It urges Moldova to continue to implement the provisions of the PCA and move forward on the path of reforms which are essential for stability and economic development. Close cooperation with the IMF is also important in this context. The EU notes with satisfaction Moldova's imminent accession to the WTO and the Stability Pact. It also encourages the new government to strive for a rapid solution of the Transnistria conflict. The EU is ready to support the reform process in Moldova and to contribute to a settlement of the conflict."