OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR

UNCLAS STATE 106818

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OSCE PREL PGOV MD
SUBJECT: OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL: RESPONSE TO AMBASSADOR
REMLER, HEAD OF OSCE MISSION TO MOLDOVA


1. (U) Post is authorized to present the following statement
at the October 15, 2009 Permanent Council meeting in Vienna.

Begin text:

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The United States joins other delegations in welcoming you,
Ambassador Remler, and in thanking you for your comprehensive
report.

Since you last spoke to us, on April 23, Moldova has held a
second round of parliamentary elections; elected a speaker of
parliament; confirmed the speaker as acting president;
elected a prime minister; and confirmed a government. The
United States welcomes these positive steps, and looks
forward to working closely with Moldovans and their new
government in their efforts to build a democratic and
prosperous European state. That government has already begun
to take positive steps in this direction. We take particular
note of the thoughtful presentation delivered by the Moldovan
Ambassador to the United Nations General Assembly on
September 29, which highlighted Moldova,s commitment to
progress on a settlement of the Transnistrian conflict and
replacement of the present peacekeeping operation with a
multinational mission under international mandate.

We appreciate the OSCE Mission to Moldova,s ongoing support
for Moldova,s constitutional processes. The Mission rightly
has encouraged Moldovan authorities to uphold the rule of
law, and to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms
encompassed by Moldova,s OSCE and international commitments.
As you note in your report, Ambassador Remler, the Mission
has urged Moldovan authorities to address election-related
concerns; discouraged politically motivated selective
prosecutions; and called for improvements in media freedom.
The United States strongly supports these efforts. In
particular, we look forward to the planned visit to Moldova
of OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Haraszti, and
hope his visit will further the new government,s efforts to
implement Moldova,s OSCE commitments on media freedom.

The United States also strongly supports the Mission,s
efforts to promote a just and durable settlement to the
Transnistria conflict -- one that respects the sovereignty
and territorial integrity of Moldova and provides for an
agreed status for Transnistria that upholds OSCE principles
and commitments. We remain committed to the renewal of
formal negotiations in the 5 2 format -- the only
internationally accepted mechanism for reaching a negotiated
settlement to the conflict -- and continue to believe that
confidence-building measures can contribute to momentum for
the resumption of negotiations. Accordingly, we remain
supportive of expert-level working groups on transportation,
health, and other practical matters, and welcome the
Mission,s efforts to promote cooperation in the military and
security fields. As this work progresses, we hope access to
Transnistria for diplomatic personnel will improve, and
existing travel bans will be lifted.

In closing, allow me to thank you and your staff, Ambassador
Remler, and to reiterate my government,s support for your
work. Allow me also to reiterate my government,s commitment
to working with Moldova and its people as the country
continues its integration into European institutions.
Respect for the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental
freedoms will continue to be key elements in our relationship.

Thank you, Madam Chair.
CLINTON