MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

23.10.2006

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Helmuth Markov
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group
on the referendum on independence in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

B6‑0539/2006

European Parliament resolution on the referendum on independence in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Moldova, in particular that of 18 December 2003, that of 24 February 2005 on the parliamentary elections on Moldova and that of 16 March 2006 on human rights in Moldova and in Transnistria in particular,

– having regard to the Final Statement and Recommendations of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee meeting of 6 and 7 October 2005,

–   having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Moldova and the EU, which entered into force on 1 July 1998,

– having regard to the statements of the 1999 OSCE Summit in Istanbul and the 2002 OSCE Ministerial meeting in Porto,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the EU recognises Moldova's historical, cultural and economic ties with the EU Member States and with its neighbour countries in Eastern Russia and Ukraine,

B.  whereas the conflict between the separatist region of Transnistria and the central government in Moldova, which is geographically closest to the EU, has largely contributed to the instability in the whole country,

C.  whereas talks on the status of Transnistria have been ongoing since 1992, in Five-Plus-Two Format, involving Moldova, the Transnistrian region of Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE, with the EU and the USA as observers; whereas in April 2006 the negotiations broke down,

D.   whereas a 'referendum' on independence for the Transnistrian region took place on 17 September 2006; whereas a plan exists for the Transnistrian region to join the Russian Federation,

E.  whereas this 'referendum' was not internationally recognised and whereas the OSCE did not send observers to monitor the 'referendum' process,

1.  Emphasises that the 'referendum' on independence for the Transnistrian region contradicts the constitution of the Republic of Moldova, endangers the internationally recognised sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and cannot therefore be recognised;

2.  Expresses its support for the efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Transnistrian conflict, in line with Istanbul OSCE Summit conclusions of 1999, based on negotiations and dialogue;

3.   Stresses that the resolution of the Transnistrian issue is a fundamental element in promoting political stability and security in the whole of the Republic of Moldova and in the region as a whole,

4.   Calls on both parties to the conflict to refrain from any measures that would lead to a further escalation of the situation, and to return immediately to the negotiating table in the 5+2 format and work towards a speedy and transparent solution of the conflict,

5.  Calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to refrain from interference in Moldova's internal affairs, but to closely cooperate with the OSCE and the Council of Europe in order to establish a stable and peaceful development of all countries in the region;

6.  Calls on the Commission and the Council to intensify their efforts to encourage dialogue and the resumption and advancement of the 5+2 negotiations on the status of the Transnistrian region, in line with the UN Charter and Conventions;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government and Parliament of Moldova, the Government of Romania, the Government of Ukraine, the Government of the Russian Federation, the Government of the USA, the Secretary-General of the OSCE and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.