Sweden, Lithuania say Moldova should have clear EU accession perspective

Chisinau, 4 May /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova must be given a clear perspective of European accession at the Summit due in Riga. The foreign ministers of Sweden and Lithuania, Margot Wallstrom and Linas Linkevicius, respectively, made statements to this effect at a joint press conference with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Natalia Gherman in Chisinau today.

According to Swedish Minister Margot Wallstrom, the European membership perspective offered at the Summit in Riga would stimulate and spur further reforms underway in Moldova.

"I hope Moldova will continue efforts in combating corruption, reforming the justice system, prosecution, banking sector and mass media," said Wallstrom.

Lithuanian Minister Linas Linkevicius said that "regardless of the results of the Riga Summit, the European choice and aspirations of Moldova have a right to exist, and Lithuania will support Moldova in becoming part of the great European family".

For her part, Natalia Gherman said that Moldova had excellent bilateral relations with both Sweden and Lithuania.

"Sweden is a very important partner in the field of development cooperation. As for Lithuania, Moldova experts take over experience of Lithuanian colleagues in various sectors, such as justice, education, migration, agriculture and others."

The two European ministers are on a one-day visit to Moldova. Besides Natalia Gherman, they also met Parliament Speaker Adrian Candu and Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici.

(Reporter C. Russu, Editor L. Alcaza)