Verklaring Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over verkiezingen Moldavië

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 19 December 2011 A

Statement by the High Representative Catherine Ashton on the failure to elect the President of the Republic of

Moldova

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made the following statement:

"The Republic of Moldova has taken important steps over recent years in consolidating democracy and pursuing reforms. In this regard, I welcome the fact that the Parliament has made an attempt to elect the President of the Republic. It is regrettable that the political parties represented once again missed the opportunity to offer more political stability to the country.

I now look forward to a second electoral round in January 2012, and call upon all political forces represented in the Parliament to engage in an open and constructive dialogue so as to allow the election of the President. To respond to its economic and social aspirations, the Republic of Moldova needs fully functioning institutions which are able to work together. I therefore call on the Parliament to acknowledge its responsibility and to overcome the current institutional stalemate.

The European Union remains committed to deepening its relationship with the Republic of Moldova and supporting the implementation of its ambitious reform and EU approximation agenda."