2008 News Archive

Director for Public Diplomacy for Europe and Eurasia learns about Moldova

February 05, 2008

Public Diplomacy Director for Europe and Eurasia, Monica O’Keefe, learns about citizen concerns and the impact of U.S. government programs in Moldova.

During her 4 day visit here, Monica O’Keefe, Director for Public Diplomacy for Europe and Eurasia for the U.S., talked with Moldovans regarding the benefits and challenges of life in Moldova, and the impact of U.S. programs on Moldova’s progress.  A dinner hosted by Ambassador Michael Kirby provided the opportunity for a lively discussion involving media, NGO directors, and government ministry representatives, with each sharing their views of the current situation in Moldova and suggestions for enhancing the U.S.-Moldovan relationship.

Over the next three days, staff of the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and the English Teachers Resource Center described the programs they provide, while the NGO Promolex discussed the challenges and rewards of working on civil society issues in the Transnistrian region. Representatives of the regional independent media described difficulties for independent media. Alumni of US Government exchange programs shared their experiences and discussed their ongoing effort to make Moldova a better place.

In Balti, Ms. O'Keefe met the Coordinator and clients of the American Corner, and presented eleven boxes of reference and fiction books, magazines and DVD's to the center, all relating to American culture and history.  The Coordinator is planning to schedule regular movie viewing nights to ensure that Moldova citizens have the opportunity to benefit from the new resources.