[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 17, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S3158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MOLDOVA PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, with the coming parliamentary elections 
scheduled for April 5, Moldova is once again at a crucial juncture in 
its domestic political development.
  In recent years, Moldova's cooperation with the United States has 
deepened, with steady progress through the initial stages of the 
Millennium Challenge Threshold Program, which promises to bring 
significant material assistance to Moldova in the near future. 
Additionally, Moldova has advanced in its quest for greater European 
integration. To continue to build upon and consolidate these positive 
developments, it is crucial that the current campaign and voting on 
April 5 be conducted in a manner consistent with Moldova's commitment 
to meeting OSCE election standards.
  Since achieving independence in 1991, Moldova has had a generally 
positive record in conducting and respecting the results of free 
elections. However, there have been shortcomings and it is essential 
that Moldova avoid repeating practices that have drawn criticism in 
previous contests.
  Specifically, national and local authorities must make every effort 
to ensure a level and transparent playing field for all candidates 
during the campaign and avoid the use of administrative resources to 
hamper political rivals. It is also important that the authorities make 
efforts to ensure access to the media for all candidates and 
representatives of political parties. Finally, law enforcement bodies 
must safeguard the public's basic right to freely and publicly assemble 
to express their views in a peaceable manner.
  As Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, 
I would underscore the importance that all involved in Moldova's 
upcoming parliamentary elections ensure compliance with international 
norms. This is crucial, not only for the future of democratic reform in 
Moldova, but also for the country's further economic development and 
progress along its chosen path of European integration.

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