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 Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Henrik Lax and Ignasi Guardans Cambó
on behalf of the ALDE Group
on Moldova (Transnistria)

B6‑0552/2006

European Parliament resolution on Moldova (Transnitria)

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 OSCE 1999 Summit in Istanbul and the 2002 OSCE Ministerial meeting in Porto,

–  having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan for Moldova that sets the direction for strategic cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, adopted on 22 February 2006,

–  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 European Union,

B.  whereas the conflict between the separatist authority of Transnistria and the central government in Moldova has largely contributed to the instability in the whole country,

C.  whereas negotiations concerning the status of Transnistria have been ongoing since 1992, in the so called 'Five-Plus-Two Format', in which Moldova, the Transnistrian region of Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and the OSCE are participating, with the EU and the USA as observers; whereas in April 2006 the negotiations broke down,

D.  whereas an internationally unrecognised referendum on independence took place on 17 September 2006 in Transnistria,

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

1.  Stresses that the referendum cannot be recognised as it was unilaterally introduced by the Transnistrian authorities without prior consultation with the Government of Moldova, and as it was held without international observers due to the serious shortcomings in the referendum process;

2.  Expresses its continuing 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; reminds Russia of its commitment made at the Istanbul Summit to withdraw its ammunition, weaponry and armed forces from Moldovan territory and demands that Russia fully implement this commitment;

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

4.  Calls on all 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 unilateral interference in Moldova's internal affairs, but to closely cooperate in order to establish a stable and peaceful base for development for Transnistria, the Republic of Moldova and the whole 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 Transnistrian region, in line with the UN Charter and Conventions;

7.  Expresses its satisfaction with Ukraine's decision in March 2006 to impose new customs regulations on its border with Transnistria, in line with international law;

8.  Regrets the recent statements by Transnistria's de facto leader that he will run in a few months for a fourth office as President and that he does not intend to retire until Transnistria is recognised internationally; calls for full respect for democratic values, human rights and the rule of law;

9.  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 OSCE and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.