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Activity of Public Institutions

Government
Presidency

Activity of Public Institutions

Government

Government sittings are available online starting January 18, 2010

1. Appointments

Nicu POPESCU was appointed senior state adviser for European integration and foreign relations.

Dorin RECEAN was nominated Deputy Minister of Development of Information Technologies and Communications to succeed Oleg Rotaru.

Ion PASCAL was assigned Deputy Minister of Construction and Regional Development.

Alexei SECRIERU was appointed deputy director of the Centre for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption to succeed Veaceslav Ivancov.

Valeriu FEDCO was nominated deputy director of the Tourism Agency.

Following members of the central commission in charge with checking income and estate declarations were appointed:

• Alexandru TANASE, minister of justice;
• Veaceslav NEGRUTA, minister of finance;
• Viorel CHETRARU, director of the Centre for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption.

The Government decided to establish the department commission in charge with checking income and estate declarations, which will be headed by State Minister Victor BODIU.

Tudor POTIRNICHE was relieved from the office of deputy director of the Agency for Material Reserves and Public Procurement; Valeriu MIRONESCU was relieved from the office of head of the General Inspectorate on Phytosanitary Supervision and Seed Control, and Nicoale TARAN from the office of director of Moldova-Vin Agency.

2. Decisions

Decision establishing the Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture. The agency is set to improve the management of public expenses for agriculture promotion and will be controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry; it will have 66 employees, including 36 in territorial subdivisions.

Decision concerning the structure and maximum staff of the Centre for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption (CCECC). It maintains the same number of employees, 543 persons, with modifications partly envisaging the structure of CCECC central administration, which now is made of several directorates and subdivisions; the changes are needed for staff reshuffles.

Decisions approving some regulations:

• The regulation concerning the institutional framework and the mechanism coordinating the foreign aid provided to the Republic of Moldova by international organisations and donor countries;
• Standard forms attesting the residence and income tax paid by non-residents in the Republic of Moldova;
• The regulation concerning the retention of income tax from salary and other fees paid by employer for the benefit of employee.

3. Sittings. Decisions

Price problem

Prime Minister Vlad FILAT chaired a working sitting on price issue, which discussed prices of a number of products. According to reports by minister of agriculture and food industry, prices of a number of products (fowl, eggs) have decreased, while prices of dairy, sugar, buckwheat and rice have grown. Customs Service director reported that prices of these products should not grow, given their customs value. Head of the Main State Tax Inspectorate signalled many violations relating to legislation on trade margin, while director of the Centre for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption reported that many traders store their goods to further sell them for higher prices, and many prices are set abusively and without justified reasons. The prime minister instructed competent authorities to strictly monitor prices and sanction breaches of legislation in force, as well as to ensure a better fiscal management.

Interior Ministry College

The prime minister said while addressing the participants that he is angry with the work of the Interior Ministry, noting that his cabinet is strictly monitoring the activity of the ministry. Vlad Filat noted that the cabinet of ministers preserved the facilities and indemnities enjoyed by Interior Ministry employees, took actions to improve working conditions, but these efforts do not make any sense unless with respect for laws. Filat stressed that he assumed responsibility for a functional Interior Ministry and avoidance of duties will not be tolerated any longer.

Presidency

1. Decrees

The decree appointing Mr. Veaceslav DERMENJI as deputy director of the State Guard and Protection Service was signed.

German Ambassador Nikolaus GRAF LAMBSDORFF was awarded the Honour Order.

Mrs. Svetlana FILINCOVA, judge of the Supreme Court of Justice, was awarded the higher ranking.

Economic Policies

1. Agriculture

"Cinderella" of Moldovan economy…

According to NBS data and preliminary estimates, agricultural production of all farms decreased by about 10 percent in 2009, compared with 2008. The decline in overall agricultural production was linked to the downfall of vegetal production by more than 17 percent, while the animal production increased by about 12 percent, compared with 2008.

The analysis of impact of various kinds of products on outcome of agricultural production in 2009, compared with 2008, reveals that the decline in wheat production (by about 43 percent), maize (by more than 23 percent), sugar beet (by more than 65 percent), sunflower (by about 24 percent), vegetables (by more than 14 percent) reduced the overall agricultural production by about 10 percent.

The vegetal production covered 68 percent of the overall agricultural production in 2009 (74 percent in 2008). The decline of vegetal production (and its share in overall agricultural production) in 2009 compared with 2008 was linked to the reduction of sown fields, as well as the fall of the average for key crops. On the other hand, the rise of cattle and fowl livestock (cattle by more than 2 percent, swine by about 34 percent, fowl by about 13 percent), as well as the growth of productivity in the area increased the volume of main animal products and overall animal production.

The analysis on categories of farms indicates that agricultural enterprises cover 29 percent of overall agricultural production, farms – 22 percent, households – 49 percent. The high share of households in agricultural production is especially due to their large animal production (about 81 percent of overall livestock production on country).

2. Industry

Nor does industry do well…

According to the same NBS data, industrial enterprises altogether manufactured production worth 23.27 billion lei (1.94 billion dollars) in current prices in 2009. The industrial production index was about 78 percent in comparable prices, compared with January-December 2008. This index exceeded 84 percent in December 2009. The decline in industrial output, compared with January-December 2008, was a consequence of the fall in extractive industry by more than 32 percent, processing industry by over 24 percent, energy sector by 1.5 percent, etc., which reduced the overall production by about 23 percent.

The decline in overall industrial output in the period concerned was particularly linked to the slowdown of the following key industrial activities: manufacturing of non-ferrous minerals; fruit and vegetable processing and canning; manufacturing of textiles; winemaking; processing and canning of meat and meat products; manufacturing of distilled spirits, etc. Businesses covered by the monthly statistical research explain the fall in production volume by difficulties to sell their products, especially the reduction of demand from foreign companies, as well as from domestic consumers of industrial production; shortage of raw material; shortage of funds, etc.

3. Relations with donors

IMF provides funds, but calls to account…

On January 29, 2010 the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the economic programme with the Republic of Moldova sustained by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The financial assistance will be equivalent to 369.6 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR) or about 574.4 million dollars, and aims to support the country economic programme with the view to restore the fiscal and external durability, maintain financial stability, reduce poverty and ensure economic growth. Once approved, Chisinau is able to get immediate access to 60 million Special Drawing Rights (about 93.2 million US dollars) and next tranches will be disbursed after semi-annual revisions. The new programme continues the three-year programme funded via the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) approved by the Board of Executive Directors in May 2006, which ended in May 2009. The 2010–12 programme of authorities aims to restore fiscal and external durability and encourage economic growth. The budgetary-fiscal policy foresees the gradual achieving of a durable situation in 2010 or even before if possible. The monetary policy will focus on maintaining stability of prices. Structural reforms will sustain the recovery inclusively through more flexibility of strongly regulated economy. The programme will also enhance expenses for elementary social services and poverty reduction. In particular, the budgetary-fiscal policy foresees for 2010 a very necessary adjustment to strong necessities of public investments and social expenses. In an effort to reduce the deficit, the authorities restructured the uncovered salary rises and optimised expenses for materials and subsidies. As well, the budget foresees larger expenses for directed social assistance to protect families in need. The monetary policy will sustain the emerging economic recovery, given the relatively low inflation rate. In order to ensure an exchange rate in accordance with basic economic principles, interventions on currency market will be limited to attenuating short-term fluctuations. The National Bank will carefully monitor the financial condition of banks and will get involved just in case of necessity. Structural reforms aim to relieve the growth potential of economy and support the budgetary-fiscal framework. A broader liberalisation and regulation programme aims to encourage competition and economic growth by private sector. In order to maintain the sustained social insurance system in financial terms, early retirement advantages for public functionaries will be gradually removed and the indemnity system for sick leaves will be reorganised. As well, the authorities will have to get rid of large quasi fiscal arrears in heating sector.

Transdnistrian Problem

Discussions with Russian representatives to resume "5+2"negotiations

On January 18, 2010, the deputy minister in charge with the country reintegration issue, Victor Osipov, met officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry to discuss the Transnistrian settlement problem. Valeri Nesterushkin, special envoy of the Russian Foreign Ministry, and Marat Kulakhmetov, adviser for the Russian foreign minister for peacekeeping affairs, were informed regarding the approach of the Transnistrian settlement issue by Moldova’s new authorities:

• The Government’s opening for dialogue and cooperation in terms of Transnistrian settlement;
• Promotion of actions aimed to build confidence and improve conditions for the "5+2" negotiations;
• Necessary conditions for the free move of people and commodities between the two banks of the Dniester;
• Support to population and facilitated operation of economic agents from Transnistria; better working mechanism of the Joint Control Commission and peacekeeping mechanism in the Security Zone.

Victor Osipov and Grigori Karasin, deputy foreign minister of the Russian Federation, discussed the same issues two days later. Osipov stressed the important role of the Russian Federation in the Transnistrian settlement process based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. Russian diplomats called in their turn for increasing consultations in this regard with the purpose to settle the Transnistrian conflict by adopting a special status for Transnistria.

As well, Russian diplomats visited Transnistria and met officials there. In Tiraspol, Grigori Karasin stressed that the equal footing is a basic condition for the Transnistrian settlement, otherwise ensuring a viable process and efficient decisions is unimaginable. In their turn, the Transnistrian authorities insisted on avoiding the resumption of negotiations from the very beginning, noting that existing decisions shall be taken into account. Karasin underlined that he has drawn the attention of interim President Mihai Ghimpu on a benevolent attitude towards Russia’s peacekeeping mission, which guarantees the peace in the region. Speaking about withdrawal of the Russian military presence will be possible when a final decision on Transnistrian settlement will be close, but theretofore approaching this issue is premature.

Attitude of Moldova’s western partners towards resuming negotiations

Premier Vlad Filat met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on January 24, 2010, with the latter saying that the US is calling for the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in the "5+2" format with respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. This fact was fixed in the joint declaration of the US and Republic of Moldova on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

In fact, representatives of Moldovan authorities have confirmed during meetings with foreign officials that the Transnistrian issue is being tackled in the light of the need to strengthen confidence-building measures between the conflicting parties and resume the "5+2" negotiations as soon as possible. A more gradated emphasis was observed during the January 27, 2010 meeting between interim President Mihai Ghimpu and Romanian President Traian Basescu. The Romanian president underlined that he supported and supports the Republic of Moldova as sovereign and independent state, which shall ensure its full control on own territory. "Keeping technical and human resources of the Russian army in the Transnistrian region does not encourage the conflict resolution," he feared.

OSCE supports Moldovan authorities

On January 19, 2010 Parliament Chairman Mihai Ghimpu met representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly team for Moldova led by Swedish Parliament member Walburga Habsburg Douglas, who assured that "the OSCE is supporting the actions taken by authorities of the Republic of Moldova to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. In his turn, Mihai Ghimpu called for the resumption of the "5+2" negotiations, noting that Russia must honour the 1999 Istanbul OSCE Summit commitments on the complete and unconditional withdrawal of military forces and munitions from the eastern area of the Republic of Moldova. "The democratisation and demilitarisation of the Transnistrian enclave are necessary and indispensable premises for the definitive settlement of the conflict," he stressed, adding that this goal could be reached "by involving our external partners more actively." The visit of the OSCE delegation to Tiraspol confirmed the interest of the Transnistrian leader "to enhance the negotiation process." Smirnov stressed that the March 18, 2009 Barvikha Declaration has recently become programmatic since being signed. According to Smirnov, the basic conditions for developing negotiations are linked to the equal footing principle for the conflicting sides and guarantee system. Smirnov insisted that the Republic of Moldova failed to build a post-Soviet society. Many Moldovan citizens want to be part of Romania, others of NATO and others of Russia. These are reasons for permanent political destabilisations. Therefore, Transnistria needs the peacekeeping mission of Russia."

Following the visit of the OSCE delegation, the OSCE Mission in Chisinau hosted on January 26, 2010 a new meeting of the representatives of the Transnistrian settlement process on behalf of Moldova and Transnistria, Victor Osipov and Vladimir Yastrebchyak. The sides considered matters relating to the honouring of previous agreements made during meetings in Vienna and Bender. In particular, Victor Osipov reported Government’s decisions to extend the commodity declaration procedures for economic agents and documentation of population from the Transnistrian region for indefinite terms.

Moldovan-Ukrainian border is being demarked on Transnistrian section

The first intermediary border sign was installed near the village of Bolshaya Koshnitsa, the rayon of Yampol in the Ukrainian region of Vinnitsa on January 29, 2010. Taking part in the ceremony were Moldovan Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Iurie Leanca and his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko. A joint statement concerning the start of demarcation of more than 400 kilometres of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border on the Transnistrian section was signed on this occasion. "The process which has started may be regarded as historical for the simple reason that a common denominator was found after 18 years of independence, with the obstructionist position of those from Tiraspol being the main barrier," Minister Leanca stressed. It was noted that the border demarcation process develops in a strictly European context. Even more, he continued, "…the border demarcation will be also an important element in efforts to find a viable solution to the Transnistrian conflict." In his turn, Petro Poroshenko noted the new quality of Moldovan-Ukrainian relations in the recent period. At the end of the meeting, both officials called for the urgent resumption of the "5+2" negotiation process.

Taking part in the event were also representatives of the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM). Earlier, on January 16, 2010, interim EUBAM head Udo Burkholder stated that the Mission will keep providing the necessary assistance to the Border Guard Service for institutional development in accordance with European standards. A special attention will be paid to enhancing cooperation and assistance of European institutions to Moldova in the border management area.

In the same context, Premier Vlad Filat scheduled a visit to Kiev for February 1, 2010, being invited by his Ukrainian counterpart Julia Timoshenko. The meeting agenda included matters related to border demarcation, recognition of estates, etc.

Tiraspol’s reactions to the start of demarcation of Moldova-Ukrainian border

The reaction of Tiraspol authorities to the start of the demarcation process on the Transnistrian section of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border was negative. Anticipating the beginning of this process, representatives of Transnistrian authorities participated in bilateral consultations with Ukrainian administration on January 24, 2010. In consequence, the Transnistrian authorities decided to not obstruct the demarcation process at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. In their turn, the Ukrainian authorities provided guarantees that the demarcation works will be operated in Ukraine only, without crossing the border itself. At the same time, the Transnistrian authorities underlined that the border demarcation process is an important component for settlement of the Moldovan-Transnistrian conflict. In these circumstances, the Transnistrian authorities regretted the impossibility to participate in the demarcation process on parity principles. However, they are optimistic that the demarcation process will not be pressed until the final resolution of the conflict.

Incident in security zone

Colonel Aurel Fondos, head of the Peacekeeping Forces contingent on behalf of the Republic of Moldova in the Security Zone, was held by officers of an illegal Transnistrian checkpoint in the area concerned on January 29, 2010. Fondos demanded the immediate intervention of military observers on the scene, but the Transnistrian side barred it for two hours. According to Moldovan authorities, the holding of Colonel Fondos violated the December 3, 2009 CUC decision approved by all delegations, which condemns a similar holding of the Moldovan officer on October 30, 2009. Moldovan authorities notified immediately the CUC co-chairmen on behalf of the Russian Federation, Transnistria and representatives of Ukraine and OSCE Mission in connection with the incident. The Transnistrian side alleges that on January 29, 2010 Colonel Auren Fondos crossed the Transnistrian checkpoint "Lunga-2", refusing to provide the possibility to Transnistrian border guards to check an eventual shipment of some goods. It is worth to note that on January 21, 2010 the Moldovan delegation to CUC expressed indignation with this incident, stressing that it has permanently sought the withdrawal of illegal checkpoints and customs stations of the Tiraspol administration from the Security Zone. According to the Moldovan delegation to CUC, these actions harden the peacekeeping operation, violating the Odessa and Moscow agreements on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova, as well as breach the freedom of circulation.

Foreign Affairs

1. European integration

Spain takes over half-year EU Presidency

On January 1 Spain took over the EU Presidency for a 6-month term. On January 20, 2010, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero unveiled the programme of the Spanish Presidency in front of the European Parliament. The declared priorities of the Spanish Presidency are:

• The complete enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty;
• Economic recovery and new jobs;
• Strengthening of the EU role as a global, responsible player providing support;
• Consolidation of human rights and freedoms within EU (especially in terms of gender equality and struggle against domestic violence).

EU Representation to Moldova extends competences

Starting 2010, accordingly to regulations of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU reforms its external representations. Fifty-four out of 136 external EU offices including the EU Delegation to Moldova extended their competences and will further function as embassy-type missions representing EU and will introduce and promote the common position of the 27-strong bloc.

2. Bilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova – Romania

The second half of January 2010 was full of events which encouraged the Moldovan-Romanian relations and even gave them a new quality. The first of them was the presentation of Romania’s foreign policy by President Basescu, as he got a new mandate. While addressing heads of diplomatic missions in Bucharest on January 20, Traian Basescu stated that Romania will keep supporting the European bids of the Republic of Moldova, and the fact that Romania and the Republic of Moldova are linked through a "common history, same language and same culture" makes this support "the project of soul" of the president. According to the Romanian president, the Moldovan-Romanian relations will be based on "confidence, solidarity and common aspirations" in future.

Shortly after Basescu’s statements, the Romanian Foreign Ministry nominated Marius Lazurca as Romanian Ambassador in Chisinau, with the latter being further accepted by Moldova’s interim President Mihai Ghimpu. As well, the Foreign Ministry set up the informal group to support the European action of the Republic of Moldova at level of EU member states. The group is made of ministers, state secretaries and ambassadors from EU member states (Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, United Kingdom, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Hungary) and aims to support the European path of Moldova, both within EU institutions and via practical projects.

The No. 2 event – the visit paid by Traian Basescu to Moldova during January 27–28, the first visit of the Romanian president abroad after being re-elected – was one more step forward strengthening the partnership with the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian president delivered political statements while on visit, stating in brief as follows:

• The partnership with Romania will bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union;
• Moldova’s citizens must be free to travel to Romania and further to the European Union. For this purpose, Romania will facilitate the visa issuance procedure for Moldovan citizens. The requirement obliging Moldovan citizens to hold 500 euros in order to get the Romanian visa will be cancelled; they will be asked to provide a declaration on own account. Two more consulates are expected to open in Ungheni and eventually in Lipcani to complete the consulates to be opened in Cahul and Balti in February-March.
• Romania will not sign the border agreement with the Republic of Moldova because by recognising the independence of Moldova Romania recognised the borders set after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but it will sign an agreement on border regime;
• The basic treaty between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is out-of-date and it will be replaced by a EU accession partnership; a draft Moldova-Romania partnership agreement aimed to speed up Moldova’s accession to EU is being discussed;
• Romania will provide a 100-million-euro irredeemable financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova for education, school and local infrastructure modernisation projects. The funds will be allocated within four years in four annual tranches;
• The Transnistrian conflict bars Moldova’s accession to EU; EU should get involved more actively in settling the Transnistrian conflict;
• Romania will settle the outstanding citizenship regaining applications in half a year. In order to accelerate the citizenship regaining process, a Bucharest-based national citizenship awarding agency will be established and branches will open in Iasi, Galati, Suceava, Cluj and Timisoara. The requirement for citizenship applicants to reside Romania and get appointments for application will be cancelled (Romanian Government set the National Authority for Citizenship on January 29 under Emergency Ordinance.

During the visit the sides also approached major issues for national interests of both countries: connection of energy infrastructures (the 110-KW power line Falciu-Gotesti and the 400-KW pozer line Suceava-Balti), gas transport infrastructures (Drochia-Ungheni-Iasi) and railway (adjustment of gauge) and opening of EU-funded cross-border projects (135 million euros).

Another great event especially for common citizens was the common decision of Moldovan minister of transport and road infrastructure and Romanian ministers of transport and infrastructure and tourism to reduce twice the price of air tickets for the Chisinau-Bucharest flights starting February 10, 2010.

Note by ADEPT: Basescu’s visit and statements divided opinions of political actors: from veneration by Liberal Party, sympathy by PLDM, reserved amiability by PDM to bitter criticism by PCRM.

Republic of Moldova – Ukraine

On January 25 Brussels hosted the 8^th trilateral meeting Moldova – Ukraine – EU focussed on border issues. According to a communique by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the meeting agenda included issues relating to management of the Moldovan-Ukrainian state border, especially demarcation and securing of the border on Transnistrian section, cooperation between border control services and EU assistance, inclusively through operation of the EU Border Assistance Mission (UBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine. The European authorities reconfirmed readiness to assist securing of Moldova-Ukraine border.

The process of demarcation of the Moldova-Ukraine border on Transnistrian section began on January 29, as the first intermediary border sign was installed in the village of Velika Kisnitsa, rayon of Yampol, region of Vinitsa.

Republic of Moldova – Lithuania

Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius was on a formal visit to Chisinau during January 26–27. He reconfirmed Lithuania’s role of zealous supporter of Moldova in taking it closer to the European Union and materialised this position by signing with Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat a common declaration on cooperation in European integration area. The Lithuanian premier was accompanied by a group of businesspersons who attended the Moldovan-Lithuanian economic forum. The purpose of the forum was to attract Lithuanian investments and enhance bilateral commercial relations in several sectors of Moldovan economy: construction, polymer industry, pharmaceutics, spare parts, education, printing services, information technologies, etc.

Republic of Moldova – US

The US-Moldova relations were marked by the visit of a Moldovan delegation led by Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat to the United States. While on visit, the Moldovan delegation had meetings with high-ranking officials of the US and international organisations:

• Meeting with US Vice President Joseph Biden. The US official assured that the US will support the Republic of Moldova to join the EU, build a state based on the rule of law and settle the Transnistrian conflict in the 5+2 format. Earlier, while visiting Bucharest on October 22, 2009, Joe Biden said that he would like to see the Republic of Moldova going ahead to democratisation and economic reforms, inclusively with Romania’s support, and join the Euro-Atlantic structures when ready.
• Meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While meeting Vlad Filat, Hillary Clinton assured that she will tackled the issue of taking Moldova closer to EU with EU foreign relations officials. Vlad Filat and Hillary Clinton signed a common declaration of US and Moldovan Governments on intensifying bilateral cooperation.
• During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Vlad Filat said that the Republic of Moldova has applied for membership to the UN Human Rights Council for 2010–2013.
• The visit to the Millennium Challenge Corporation, where the irredeemable assistance agreement worth 262 million US dollars was signed to fund the Compact Programme. The programme foresees the implementation of investment projects in the area of irrigation infrastructure, road renovation, and high-value agriculture.
• The visit to IMF, with Premier Vlad Filat introducing Government’s accomplishments and seeking IMF support to finding solutions for providing compensating social assistance to socially vulnerable categories after latest rises in tariffs of public services.
• Meeting with World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick. The agenda of talks included issues relating to assistance the World Bank could provide in ITC area and possibilities to support the compensating system for socially vulnerable categories hit by latest rises in tariffs of public services. Vlad Filat sought the inclusion of Moldova into the Governance Transformation Initiative, as well as assistance for organising the Advisory Task Force to take place in Brussels in March 2010.
• Meeting with Lawrence Spinelli, interim director for the "Overseas Private Investment Corporation" (OPIC). The purpose of the meeting was to attract US investments in the Republic of Moldova and develop bilateral commercial cooperation.
• Meeting with Richard Morningstar, special envoy of the US secretary of state for Eurasian energy, and Jonathan Elkind, principal deputy assistant secretary for energy. Talks focussed on situation in energy sector and energy security of Moldova and alternative ways to reduce Moldova’s energy dependence.
• Visit to North Carolina, with Vlad Filat and Deputy Governor Walter P.Dalton signing a 5-year term cooperation memorandum between Republic of Moldova and North Carolina.
• Visit to the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and International Republican Institute (IRI). Talks focussed on situation in the Republic of Moldova and ways for the two organisations to support democratic development of Moldova.
• Roundtable with businesspersons in the area of information technologies and communication (ITC), who were introduced the Moldovan ITC sector and opportunities to invest in this sector of Moldova.
• Hearing within the Helsinki Commission of the US Congress, which approached respect for human rights and freedoms in Moldova, including the freedom of religion violated during an incident on December 13, 2009, when a Christian Orthodox group destroyed Jewish symbols. Vlad Filat assured that "the legislation in the area will be roughened."

Note by ADEPT: The inquiry involving priest Anatol Cibric, organiser of the group of people who vandalised the Jewish symbols, was closed. The priest was sentenced for offence against religious sentiments and profanation of religious objects under Article 54 (5) of Code of Contraventions and was ordered to pay a 600-leu administrative fine.

3. Multilateral cooperation

Republic of Moldova – Council of Europe

ECHR decisions

In January, the Court pronounced decisions on applications Paduret vs. Moldova, Railean vs. Moldova, Bucuria vs. Moldova, concerning the amicable resolution of the application Avramenko vs. Moldova. The Court established violation of the right to not be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatments and/or punishments in the case Paduret vs. Moldova, violation of the right to life in the case Railean vs. Moldova, and violation of the right to a fair trial in the case Bucuria vs. Moldova. The Government of Moldova is now due to pay damages worth 60,150 euros overall for these cases.