Brussels, 10/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - A meeting between experts from the European Commission, the Ukraine and Moldova is to take place in Brussels on 11 March, to tackle customs and border problems between the two republics, which are linked by Transnistria, a self-proclaimed breakaway republic of Moldova. The experts are hoping to find technical and legal solutions which will be presented to the Sixth Co-operation Council between the EU and the Ukraine in Brussels on 18 March, at which the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Viktor Yanukovych, will be present.
The two main problems are: sales of Moldovan goods without official Government seals from Transnistria via the Ukraine, and setting up joint checkpoints between Moldova and the Ukraine, particularly on the Transnitrian segment. EUROPE points out that the EU denies visas to Transnitrian leaders who refuse to negotiate with the Moldovan authorities (see EUROPE of 28 February, p.10).