25/03/2011 Monitoring
Strasbourg, 25.03.2011 – “We urge all political parties in Moldova to find a consensus and put an end to the political deadlock which has lasted now for almost two years,” declared PACE co-rapporteurs Lise Christoffersen (Norway, SOC) and Piotr Wach (Poland, EPP/CD), speaking at the end of their first fact-finding visit to Moldova from 21-24 March 2011. “The election of a President will contribute to political stability, give an impetus for the necessary reforms and improve citizens’ fundamental rights," they added.
"While Moldova is on the right track and determined to make progress, many reforms still need to be adopted and implemented in key areas such as justice, the media, local self-government, fighting corruption and promoting human rights. In this respect we welcome the preparation of a draft comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law. We encourage the Moldovan parliament to adopt a law in line with European and international standards in order to prevent and combat discrimination on any ground."
The co-rapporteurs also addressed the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, the preparation of the forthcoming local elections, and the progress made in the implementation of the decentralisation strategy. They also sought clarification of the competences of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, which they also visited.
The co-rapporteurs noted the political will expressed by the authorities to promote European integration, implement an Action Plan for the period 2011-2014 and prepare systematic, updated information on the fulfillment of Moldova's obligations and commitments towards the Council of Europe at the initiative of Speaker and acting President Marian Lupu.
"We believe that Moldova has the potential to achieve the necessary reforms. The Council of Europe is ready to assist Moldova in its efforts to fulfill its obligations and commitments, which could eventually lead to the closing of the monitoring procedure," the co-rapporteurs concluded.
They met, among others, the Speaker and acting President Marian Lupu, the Prime Minister Vlad Filat and a number of ministers as well as representatives of political parties in the parliament, both from the ruling coalition and the opposition, leading members of the judiciary, election officials, the Ombudsman, representatives of the media, NGOs and diplomats. In Comrat they met the President of the Gagauzia Popular Assembly and Governor of Gagauzia, as well as local officials. The Monitoring Committee is due to present its report in 2012.