Luxembourg, 15/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - The "External Relations" Council, meeting in Luxembourg on Monday 15 June, has given its green light to the opening of negotiations with Moldova to conclude a new partnership agreement, to replace the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) which is shortly to expire. To this end, the ministers on Monday approved the negotiation mandate for the European Commission to carry out talks with the country, which is also one of the six beneficiaries of the new "Eastern Partnership". Negotiations on the new agreement will be carried out "as soon as circumstances permit", the ministers state in conclusions adopted on Monday. In order to facilitate the launch of these negotiations, the Moldovan authorities are called upon to pledge, as part of their visa policy, equal treatment for all citizens of the EU (a reference to the recent decision to reintroduce these obligations the citizens of Romania). (H.B./trans.fl)