Former Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith Speeches

Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith New Year Remarks 2002-2003

Ambassador Pamela Hyde Smith New Year Remarks 2002-2003

It is my pleasure to offer all Moldovans a New Year’s Greeting. 2002 has been a productive year, and we have seen many positive developments for Moldova.

It was my honor to participate in the visit of President Voronin to the United States. Through this visit we moved our bilateral dialogue to the highest level, providing an opportunity to understand one another better and to engage on issues of importance to both the United States and Moldova. I look forward to working with the Government of Moldova in 2003 on all these issues.

Our bilateral economic relationship strengthened over the past year. According to data released by the Economics Ministry, Moldovan exports to the United States increased 31% this year. Moldovan imports from the United States grew by 112%. This increase in trade is extremely encouraging.

The United States is committed to helping the Government of Moldova in its efforts to continue market reforms and improve the business climate. Increased levels of foreign direct investment can provide the greatly needed capital to undertake major projects, and lead to economic growth, more jobs, and rising living standards for all Moldovans. We believe much still needs to be done to create a positive environment for such investment.

But, I must tell you, I believe the current division of this country is the biggest obstacle to Moldova’s economic development. The Transnistrian conflict discourages investment by sowing concern about instability, makes border control and law enforcement more difficult, and divides Moldova’s resources. This year we saw some progress in reaching a solution to the conflict with the adoption of the mediators’ document on reintegrating Moldova. The United States strongly supports the efforts of the mediators -- OSCE, Russia, and Ukraine -- to resolve this long-standing problem. We also support Russia in the removal of its munitions and troops from Transnistria. We hope Moldova will soon realize the benefits a solution of the Transnistrian conflict will bring to all its citizens.

Moldova also needs a durable system of civil society that produces responsive, democratic governance, stability, and the rule of law. As we look toward local elections in May, I encourage each of you to become involved in the democratic process and make your voice heard.

I love being the United States Ambassador to Moldova. I am constantly impressed by the warmth and openness of the Moldovan people. This is a wonderful country, full of talent and possibility. In the end, creating a prosperous Moldova depends upon you, the citizens of Moldova.

Va dorim tuturor un an plin de succese. La multi ani si sarbatori fericite!