National forum on mediation takes place in Moldova

Chisinau, 18 November /MOLDPRES/ - The first national forum on mediation in Moldova was held in Chisinau today. The participants in the forum urged citizens to choose the path of mediation to resolve disputes.

"Alternative methods of dispute resolution are a priority to the justice reform - an additional means for the people, cheaper and faster resolution of disputes without recourse to courts or lawyers. The purpose of the Justice Ministry is to encourage citizens and the business environment to turn to professionals to help them find a solution to conflict in order to avoid trials, bureaucracy, unnecessary expenses and time lost in courts", said Justice Minister Oleg Efrim .

British Ambassador to Moldova Phil Batson also said the development of mediation would provide many advantages to Moldovan citizens. These include, according to the diplomat, reducing the sides' costs and lost time, number of files in courts and judges' burden.

According European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) representatives, the promotion of alternative dispute resolution tools is a big challenge for Moldova. "Developing an investment environment is not possible without transparent and professional justice. Mediation becomes an increasingly known tool in transition countries", said Head of EBRD Office in Moldova Julia Otto.

The National Forum on Mediation in Moldova aimed, according to a press release by the Justice Ministry, to promote and develop mediation as an alternative means of dispute resolution.