III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 683 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 18, 2010 Mr. Kerry (for himself, Mr. Lugar, and Mrs. Hagan) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the recent accomplishments of the people and Government of Moldova and expressing support for free and transparent parliamentary elections on November 28, 2010.

Whereas, since independence 19 years ago, the people of Moldova have made extraordinary progress in transitioning from authoritarian government and a closed market to a democratic government and market economy; Whereas, for 19 years, the constitution of Moldova has guaranteed its citizens freedom to emigrate confirmed by years of successive Presidential waivers concerning the Jackson-Vanik amendment; Whereas, on January 12, 2010, the Government of Moldova initiated negotiations with the European Union on an Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova, an important step towards European Union accession; Whereas, in order to comply with the criteria of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Government of Moldova implemented far-reaching legal reforms to curb corruption, introduce budgetary transparency, and strengthen the capacity of civil society and the media, resulting in the successful conclusion of negotiations and the signing of an MCC Compact on January 22, 2010; Whereas the Government of Moldova initiated a visa dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union aiming at visa liberalization on June 15, 2010; Whereas, on August 26, 2010, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised progress in Moldova in advancing transparent governance, human rights, and economic reform; Whereas, on October 20, 2010, Reporters Without Borders reported an improvement in the freedom of press in Moldova, with Moldova rising from the 114th position in 2009 to the 75th position in 2010; Whereas, in November 2010, the Government of Moldova concluded a treaty with Romania important to the assertion of its sovereignty and its future development; Whereas Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip H. Gordon noted in testimony before the Subcommittee on Europe of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives on June 16, 2009, We will continue to work for a negotiated settlement of the separatist conflict in the Transnistria region that provides for a whole and democratic Moldova and the withdrawal of Russian forces.; and Whereas the Republic of Moldova has made commitments to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to conduct elections according to international standards: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the development of an enduring democratic political system and free market economy in Moldova and a parliamentary election process on November 28, 2010, that comports with international standards of fairness and transparency; (2)recognizes that the commitment of the Government of Moldova to economic and political reforms since 2009 has resulted in tangible progress towards integration into European institutions; (3)acknowledges that continued reform and commitment to a free and fair election process will remain necessary for Moldova’s full integration into the Western community of nations; (4)notes that continued reforms in Moldova could provide for an additional basis for the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions; (5)encourages ongoing negotiations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova concerning visa liberalization and an Association Agreement; (6)urges fulfillment by the Government of Moldova of commitments it has made to the OSCE with respect to the free and fair conduct of its upcoming parliamentary elections; and (7)expresses the belief that the free and fair conduct of parliamentary elections in Moldova will contribute to a strong and stable government that is responsive to the vital needs of its people.