Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, welcomes implementation by Moldova and Ukraine of Joint Declaration on Customs

March 6, 2006.

    Javier SOLANA, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following comments after the start of the implementation of the joint declaration of the Ukrainian and Moldovan Prime Ministers on customs:
    "I welcome that the Joint Declaration of the Ukrainian and Moldovan Prime Ministers of 30 December 2005 is now being implemented, whereby Ukraine only recognizes Moldovan customs stamps and Moldova facilitates the registration of Transnistrian enterprises in Chisinau. The implementation of this declaration is very important for the establishment of an orderly regime on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border to which the EU attaches great importance.
    I call on the economic agents of the Transnistrian region of Moldova to register with the relevant authorities in Chisinau in order to promote the unimpeded flow of goods across the border. I also call on the self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities not to block this registration.
    I reiterate that the EU stands ready, notably through the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), to assist in solving practical difficulties that may arise in the initial phase of implementation of the new regime. In this regard, EUBAM will hold a meeting with Ukrainian and Moldovan customs authorities today.
    I condemn any efforts by the self-proclaimed Transnistrian authorities to impede the free flow of international trade.
    I also reiterate the EU's firm commitment to Moldova's territorial integrity."