2007 News Archive

Transcript of Opening Remarks of DAS David Kramer at Press Conference in Chisinau

Information Resource Center (IRC)
April 26, 2007, 3:00 PM

Deputy Assistant Secretary David Kramer and Ambassador Michael Kirby speak to Moldovan media.

Hello everyone, and I want to say that I am very impressed to see so many journalists here. This is an indication of a vibrant media here. 

I arrived here in Chisinau late last night and I have been in meetings here.  The main focus of my visit here is to discuss with various officials and members of parliament the situation in Transnistria as well as the upcoming local upcoming elections.  As you know, the U.S. has long supported a solution to the problem of Transnistria that preserves the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.  And a solution to the problem has to incorporate and reflect the interests of Moldovan citizens on both sides of the Nistru River.  And reform in all of Moldova is important in order to bring the country back together again. 

I know my colleague from the EU is in town today as well, and he and I have been holding meetings and consultations on ways to resume the 5+2 negotiations.  It is hard to give you an indication when a solution or an agreement might come about, but I want to reassure you that we will continue to press forward on a solution to this problem.  It is unfortunate that we did not have a round of 5+2 negotiations in over a year and I must say I think that responsibility for that lies with the resistance here in Tiraspol to return to the table.  We feel that the negotiations should resume immediately and without any preconditions.  And the 5+2 format provides the important international guarantees that will help in solidifying an agreement that will be reached through negotiations.

I am also here today to discuss with officials and members of parliament the upcoming local elections.  And the Ambassador yesterday was out in the regions observing first hand how developments in this area are progressing.  Free and fair elections are essential to the development and consolidation of democracy in countries around the world.  They provide the means for accountability for the population so that they can choose their leaders and hold them accountable.  Good clean elections are a way for the population to determine the direction they want their country to go in.  They provide the basis for legitimacy of leadership at all levels, local and national. 

Virtually all elections held in Moldova since the beginning of independence have been recognized as being free and fair, for the most part.  And the elections in Gagauzia for the Governor--or Bashkan--are a good example of this.  And the elections coming up on the local level in June will be a critical test for the Republic of Moldova.  And the United States, as well as many other members of the international community, will be paying very careful attention to how these elections go.  Election day, the day in which votes are cast, is obviously very important.  And monitors, local and international, will be looking for proper electoral procedures as well as updated and accurate voter lists, secrecy of the ballot, and procedures to ensure that all eligible voters cast their vote. 

But elections are not judged simply on how events go on voting day.  Equally important is how the campaign is conducted and everything leading up to election day.  Equal access to the media, fair allocation of public resources for candidates and the ability of political parties to organize and interact with voters--all of these things are important in judging an election.  And the Ambassador and I met this morning with President Voronin and urged him to ensure and do everything he can that good elections happen both before voting day and on election day itself.  And we explained to him that questionable elections, elections in which observers and monitors would ring bells about the freeness and fairness, would damage Moldova’s image and reputation and call into question Moldova's commitment to reform.  As its donors, including the U.S., look at developments here in Moldova, we all want to make sure that these elections in Moldova pass the test. 

I think with that, let me stop there and I'd be happy to take your questions and I know the Ambassador would too.