Luxembourg, 13/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU wants gradually to improve and deepen relations with the Republic of Moldova within the framework of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP). It is ready, then, to negotiate a new, more ambitious agreement with Chisinau, which extends beyond the current partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) and seeks to create a “comprehensive and deep free trade area”, EU foreign ministers said on Monday. At the External Relations Council in Luxembourg, minsters said, however, that this free trade area was not something that would be achieved immediately. It will only be considered when Moldova is “ready to sustain the effects of full liberalisation of its trade with the EU,” the conclusions adopted by the Council state. Ministers also noted the long-term goal of removing the requirement on Moldovan citizens wishing to travel to the EU to have a visa (a visa facilitation agreement has been in place since 2007). In Monday's conclusions, the Council points out that, ultimately, it will be the speed and quality of the reforms in the Republic of Moldova that will determine the nature and the speed of rapprochement with the EU. The Council encourages the Moldovan authorities to do what is necessary to reinforce the rule of law and to implement their commitments on human rights and fundamental liberties. Ministers also stressed the huge importance they place on democratic parliamentary elections next spring. The EU says that it will increase its engagement in efforts to resolve the frozen conflict in Transnistria, and reiterates its commitment to maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The Council says that the “5 + 2” negotiating format (in place since 1992, bringing together Moldova, the Moldovan region of Transnistria, Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE, with the European Union and the United States as observers) is the only guarantee of the transparency and legitimacy needed to find a lasting solution. It calls on all the parties concerned to resume negotiations in the “5 + 2” format and encourages the parties to the conflict to work together on confidence-building measures. (H.B./transl.rt)