The Moldova authorities suggest extending the influence of the convention on small-scale border traffic so that it includes the entire territory of Moldova as well as Transdniestria.

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova says that the Moldovan authorities have always been ready to start talks over this topic with Romania.

“Moldova wants to maximally extend the perimeter of the border zone so that it is not limited to 30-50 km. Given Moldova’s compact territory and Romanian Foreign Ministry’s readiness to help Moldova on the path to European integration, the Moldovan authorities propose that the convention on small-scale border traffic should cover all Moldova’s territory, including Transdniestria,” the Moldovan Foreign Ministry says.

At the same time, the Ministry expresses its concern about the campaign aimed at misinforming the population about the problem of small-scale border traffic launched by a number of political parties. According to Ministry, the authors of the campaign try to convince the population the authorities hinder the signing of the convention with Romania and create artificial barriers so as not to allow the Moldovans travel freely to Romania and to the whole Europe.

The Foreign Ministry regrets that the problem of free movement is misinterpreted and distorted and says this problem should be solved at talks between Moldovan and Romanian diplomats.

The Ministry also says that the reciprocal border crossing regime for Romanians and Moldovans is an important instrument for facilitating the contacts between the citizens of the two states in different areas, for establishing sustainable commercial relations between Moldova and Romania and developing tourism and cultural exchanges. But the Moldovan citizens should know that the convention is not a permit allowing free access to the EU. It enables to enter visa free only a part Romania’s border territory.

Recently, a number of Moldovan political parties accused the Government of postponing the signing of the convention on small-scale border traffic with Romania. They announced their intention to launch campaigns to collect signatures from people in order to make the Government initiate the signing of the convention.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania sent the draft convention on small-scale border traffic between Romania and Moldova to the Moldovan authorities on March 26. Romania proposed that the border zone should cover up to 50 kilometers inland of the joint border both in Moldova and Romania. This is the maximum distance allowed by the European regulations. This area will include 15 Moldovan districts // Reporter.MD


Publication date: 14 May 2008   

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