The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the parliamentary elections in Moldova.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

Recalling that the elections of 6 March 2005 must be considered a serious test for the consolidation of democracy in Moldova, the Parliament expresses its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the Moldovan people to establish a fully functioning democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Moldova. It stresses that the forthcoming elections, and in particular compliance with international democratic standards during the electoral process, are of the greatest importance for the further development of relations between Moldova and the European Union.

The resolution calls on the Moldovan authorities to: (i) take all necessary steps to ensure that the parliamentary elections are free and fair; (ii) ensure that the elections are held in a transparent fashion on the basis of unbiased, pluralist media coverage of the campaign and even-handedness by the State administration towards all candidates, parties and their supporters; (iii) guarantee the right to vote to all citizens of the country, including students, those working outside the country and those whose identity cards expire immediately prior to the elections.

The Parliament urges the Member States, in particular Italy and Portugal, where most Moldovan expatriates live, to find ways to allow Moldovan embassies to open polling stations in places other than embassies, thus facilitating access to voting for the largest possible number of Moldovan immigrants. MEPs also call on Moldova and its breakaway region of Transnistria to restart settlement talks and urge the mediators to redouble their efforts to assist in the process.

The Parliament stresses the importance of a further strengthened relationship between the EU and Moldova – inter alia through the urgent appointment of a European Union Special Representative to Moldova and the opening of the Commission's Delegation to Moldova – and confirms the need to work together to contribute to increased stability, security and prosperity on the European continent and to prevent the emergence of new dividing lines.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the parliamentary elections in Moldova.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

Recalling that the elections of 6 March 2005 must be considered a serious test for the consolidation of democracy in Moldova, the Parliament expresses its strong and continuing support for the efforts of the Moldovan people to establish a fully functioning democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Moldova. It stresses that the forthcoming elections, and in particular compliance with international democratic standards during the electoral process, are of the greatest importance for the further development of relations between Moldova and the European Union.

The resolution calls on the Moldovan authorities to: (i) take all necessary steps to ensure that the parliamentary elections are free and fair; (ii) ensure that the elections are held in a transparent fashion on the basis of unbiased, pluralist media coverage of the campaign and even-handedness by the State administration towards all candidates, parties and their supporters; (iii) guarantee the right to vote to all citizens of the country, including students, those working outside the country and those whose identity cards expire immediately prior to the elections.

The Parliament urges the Member States, in particular Italy and Portugal, where most Moldovan expatriates live, to find ways to allow Moldovan embassies to open polling stations in places other than embassies, thus facilitating access to voting for the largest possible number of Moldovan immigrants. MEPs also call on Moldova and its breakaway region of Transnistria to restart settlement talks and urge the mediators to redouble their efforts to assist in the process.

The Parliament stresses the importance of a further strengthened relationship between the EU and Moldova – inter alia through the urgent appointment of a European Union Special Representative to Moldova and the opening of the Commission's Delegation to Moldova – and confirms the need to work together to contribute to increased stability, security and prosperity on the European continent and to prevent the emergence of new dividing lines.