The Answer from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Dear Mr. Socolenco

On behalf of H.E. Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, I would like to assure you that the Government of the Czech Republic, also in the capacity as the EU Presidency, continues to observe the situation in the Republic of Moldova, following the Parliamentary elections hold on 5 April very closely and thoroughly.

Regarding you request for information about the activity of the Czech Presidency let me inform you that H.E. Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg and other Czech Government officials were in close personal contact with their relevant counterparts and the opposition leaders in Moldova during most tensioned period.

The EU Presidency has also issued the statement expressing its deep concern regarding the situation in Moldova and calling on all parties to demonstrate their firm commitment to the European values and principles. The EU Presidency Trio - the Czech Republic, France and Sweden published the joint statement reiterated the concern and calling on the Government of Moldova to resume normal relations with Romania.

As you noted Czech Prime Minister, Mr. Mirek Topolánek, paid his visit to Moldova on 22 April. He held the meetings with representatives of the Moldovan opposition, Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii and President Vladimir Voronin.

The EU Presidency cooperates and coordinates its steps closely with the EU Special Representative for Moldova, Mr. Kalman Mizsei.

Let me stress that the EU Presidency continues to follow the situation in Moldova carefully. With regard to the election issue let me recall that the EU took note of the Statement of Preliminary Finding and Conclusions by the International Election Observation Mission on the 5 April parliamentary elections in Moldova and respect the Statement of Moldovan Constitutional Court confirming the election results.

We very much appreciate your interest and we believe that the situation in Moldova will be settled down in near future and human rights and all constitutional freedomns will be restored.

Best regards,
Daniel Koštoval
Director of Department of Northern and Eastern Europe