| 15 October, Chisinau The European Union has adopted a multidimensional decision on Moldova, which reflects the country's cooperation with the European Union, and lays strong emphasis as regards the Transnistrian problem settlement. Deputy Premier Foreign and European Integration Minister Andrei Stratan made statements to this effect, while commenting on the conclusions by the EU foreign ministers, passed in Luxembourg on 13 October 2008. "This is a positive political decision, very important for Moldova. We have aspired to it through a very good cooperation with our partners within the European Union. A favourable decision was expected to be adopted, as over these years of cooperation, we have repeatedly stated that we want to make progress, and sign a more advanced document from the political viewpoint," Stratan said. The deputy premier said that the next step in this respect will be the consideration and adoption of the mandate of the EU member states, so that the European Commission starts negotiations with Moldova on the future document. We hope that this fact will happen till late 2008, Stratan said. As for the denomination of the document, the foreign minister said that the future agreement between Moldova and the EU is likely to be on association, which will contain separate chapters on the free trade and the visa regime's liberalisation. The official stressed that the giving of a liberalised visa regime to the Moldovan citizens depends not only on Moldova's authorities, but also on the political consensus which needs to be adopted within the EU. Earlier this week, the EU General Affairs and External Relation Council adopted conclusions on Moldova. The conclusions see that the Union is prepared to negotiate a new accord with Moldova, due to provide for the country's gradual rapprochement with the EU. The agreement will also establish the creation of a deep free trade zone and the introduction of a free-visa travel regime for Moldovans in the long run.
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