2006 Press Releases

February 17, 2006
Press Release

Statement by U.S. Embassy regarding the trial of former Moldovan Defense Minister Valeriu Pasat

The U.S. expresses its disappointment with the recent trial of former Moldovan Minister of Defense Valeriu Pasat.  Whereas the verdict in the case appears to have been based on the assumption that the 1997 sale of 21 MiG-29 jets to the U.S. was disadvantageous for Moldova, we believe the Moldovan Government made the right decision to sell the MiGs to the U.S.  Had Moldova chosen to sell the airplanes to a country associated with international terrorism, that decision would have drawn strong criticism from the international community and would have negatively affected our relationship.  Additionally, we regret that Pasat's trial was held behind closed doors and note that the presiding judge refused to admit sworn statements offered by former U.S. officials involved with the sale.

In light of new, unrelated charges issued against Pasat, we call on the Government of Moldova to ensure that any future judicial proceedings, in this as in all cases, are carried out in full conformity with international human rights standards.