Moldovan acting PM delivers speech at meeting on Council of Europe's action plan

Chisinau, 30 June /MOLDPRES/- Acting Prime Minister Natalia Gherman has given a speech at the opening of the first meeting of the Standing Committee for Implementing the Council of Europe (CoE) Action Plan on supporting democratic reforms in Moldova for 2013-2016. The speech reads as follows:

“Distinguished audience, dear colleagues and partners,

I am glad to greet you at the first meeting of the Standing Committee for implementing the Council of Europe Action Plan on supporting democratic reforms in Moldova for 2013-2016.

I would like to thank the Council of Europe, which during 20 years, since Moldova has became member state, is by our side, despite all circumstances, and backs our efforts of transformation. Also, we highly appreciate the assistance of the European Union, bilateral partners and UN for the current programme.

The assistance provided by the Council of Europe is important to us. We believe that the implementation of both the Moldova-CoE action plan for 2013-2016 and a new programmatic cooperation framework Council of Europe-European Union (2015-2017) for the Eastern Partnership states will strengthen much more synergies between the two organisations and will offer the expected impact of the European perspective for these countries.

The main goal in the relation with the Council of Europe further stays completion of Moldova's monitoring by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. This aim represents a driving force for achievements, as well as assessments of current impediments and solutions needed to develop the country. More reforms under way have been successfully implemented, and the effects of the others are just going to be felt.

Just one year of implementation of initial projects in the key-sectors (1. Good governance, democratic institutions and fighting corruption; 2. justice reform, including the prosecution reform; 3 protection and promotion of human rights; 4. media freedom and pluralism;5. local democracy; 6. measures to build confidence between the two banks of Dniester_

of the action plan, today we are pleased to appreciate the first results, such as:

-          preparation for parliamentary and local elections, including formation of electoral staff and representatives of political parties, training judges in settling electoral disputes,

-          Development of monitoring capacities of the  Audiovisual Coordination Council;

-          adoption of laws on financing political parties and electoral campaign;

-          adoption of laws on legal system, status of judges, selecting and assessing judges' performances; National Institute of Justice.

-          assistance in reforming the ombudsman institution and strengthening capacities of the anti-discrimination council;

-       adoption by the government of law on prosecution reform

-       disseminating good practices in local democracy

-    confidence building measures between the two banks of Dniester

-       Development of institutional and functional capabilities etc.

The assistance of the Council of Europe has a positive impact on strengthening national institutional capacities, a good example in this respect being training courses for the Interior Ministry on ensuring public order and managing mass crowds.

The next actions will be focused on projects in the key-sectors for Moldova’s modernisation, such as: fighting corruption and money laundering, prosecution reform, digital agenda, strengthening institutional capacities etc. In this respect, I appeal to all colleagues to mobilise for turning to good account the framework provided by the action plan in the set deadlines.

The today’s meeting is important not only from the viewpoint of reviewing the action plan's framework, but also for exchanging opinions on challenges and learned lessons, approaching visions and orientations for future. It is important that we identify the contribution of each partner to avoid doubling with other organisations and donors. I invite you to be critical and constructive.

At the end, I would like to voice hope that, via our joint effort, based on your experience and expertise, we will achieve the set goals”.

(Editor M. Jantovan)