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Ponta: Things EU does for Moldova represent the support this country needs to maintain independence
Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Tuesday stated that the 'concrete and tangible things' that the European Union does for the Republic of Moldova represent in fact the support that this country needs so as to be able to maintain its 'independence and integrity' and to protect itself from any possible aggressions.
Ponta, who payed a working visit to Athens, stated that he informed the Greek Prime Minister about the latest developments in Moldova and Georgia, both countries with European aspirations.
'I visited both countries last week and I did some lobbying. What I said was that, at least as far as Moldova is concerned, a visit of the Prime Minister of Greece and of the President of the EU Council at this time would be like an extraordinary signal of support. We hope to be able to give the good news to the Chisinau authorities, that they will be visited by the Prime Minister of the country currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union,' Ponta also said.
He specified that the Greek Prime Minister is ready to offer his 'entire support' for the signing by the Republic of Moldova and Georgia of the association agreement with the European Union, maybe even 'in July.'
'Beyond this European aspect, Romania has a natural and fundamental obligation to support the Republic of Moldova, by any possible means. I believe that the concrete things Romania can do for Moldova, in addition to what the European Union already does, are to support the infrastructure in education and energy in this country [...] and help develop the democratic institutions, this is what I believe that Romania can do more for Moldova, in addition to what the European Union already does, and this is what we do every day in fact,' Ponta added.
He reaffirmed the support of the Romanian Government for the pro-European Government in Chisinau headed by Iurie Leanca.
'Romania is very much interested in supporting this government and any attack against Mr Leanca represents at the same time a favour done to Voronin and the communists [...] We must support the pro-European government, instead of attacking it because of our own personal reasons,' Victor Ponta said.
On the other hand, the Romanian Prime Minister said that the Ukrainian people need to get closer to Europe and its values.
'Romania and Greece support all the decisions adopted at European and Trans-Atlantic level intended to provide Ukraine's democratic, pro-European development, along with its territorial integrity.
Ponta and Samaras on Transnistria: Europe's position very clear on peaceful solutions
The Romanian and Greek Prime Ministers Victor Ponta and Antonis Samaras respectively after their meeting on Tuesday restated the European Union's position in favor of a democratic and peaceful settlement of tensions in the region of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, answering media questions about the call of authorities in Tiraspol for the annexation of Transnistria to the Russian Federation.
These issues, as you know, are on our daily agenda at European level. Europe has a very clear position on the peaceful settlement of any problems. These solutions must respect each country's independence and autonomy. We issued a very clear statement on Ukraine. I think that these troop displacements never help. There are actions that generate much higher tensions. There are some issues, some actions that generally create a worldwide tension, not just in Europe, not only for the parties involved in the conflict, but in general. Regardless, whichever European country would face similar problems, our position would be the same. I am very categorical here and I wish to say that it could create the premises for a cold war. I think that the democratic procedures are procedures that recognize the constitutional right of each country. Peaceful solutions are always the best, Prime Minister Samaras said.
Answering the same question, Prime Minister Ponta appreciated the position of the Greek Presidency of the European Union and its support for concrete actions allowing the EU to show the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Moldovan people that their country's path to the European Union is truly meaningful. Within this context, Ponta mentioned that he discussed with his Greek counterpart the completion of the procedures by the Republic of Moldova, allowing its citizens to travel to the EU without visas starting from May 25.
'Beyond this European aspect, Romania has a natural and fundamental obligation to support the Republic of Moldova, by any possible means. I believe that the concrete things Romania can do for Moldova, in addition to what the European Union already does, are to support the infrastructure in education and energy in this country [...] and help develop the democratic institutions, this is what I believe that Romania can do more for Moldova, in addition to what the European Union already does, and this is what we do every day in fact,' Ponta added.