    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 17, 2002]
    [Pages 2199-2200]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir
    Voronin on U.S.-Moldovan Relations
    December 17, 2002

        We welcome the positive development and expansion of U.S.-Moldovan
    relations over the last 11 years. The relationship of our two countries
    is based on a shared commitment to promoting prosperity, freedom, and
    security in Moldova and throughout the region.
        Together, we reaffirm our support for the sovereignty and
    territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and underscore our
    determination to bring the Transnistrian separatist conflict to a
    peaceful resolution. We stress our continued commitment to the ongoing
    OSCE-led Transnistria talks and, in particular, to the Kiev Document as
    the basis for negotiation of a lasting settlement.
        We note and welcome the Russian Federation's intention to implement
    fully its commitments undertaken at the OSCE's Istanbul Summit by
    completing the withdrawal of its forces from the territory of Moldova by
    December 31, 2003. We urge Transnistria's authorities to support
    unconditionally this process. If the Transnistrian authorities continue
    systematically to create obstacles for the disposal or withdrawal of
    Russian ammunition and military equipment, we are prepared to consider
    together

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    with other concerned countries targeted measures directed at the
    Tiraspol regime.
        We recognize the progress that Moldova has made in transforming its
    economy in a free market direction, most notably in the agricultural
    sector. At the same time, we are cognizant of the economic challenges
    currently facing Moldova, including Moldova's particularly difficult
    debt situation. We are in complete accord that Moldova must strengthen
    its reform efforts, especially in the areas of privatization and the
    energy sector, and improve its investment climate. We agreed that with
    strong and clearly demonstrated performance under Moldova's IMF program,
    the United States would consider participating in a comprehensive plan
    to stabilize Moldova's debt outlook in the medium term.
        We note and welcome Moldova's positive record since independence in
    conducting free and fair elections and in implementing democratic
    reforms. We pledge our commitment to upholding the principles of
    democracy and human rights and to observing them in practice. To this
    end, we underscore the vital importance of further progress in meeting
    OSCE election standards and in strengthening free and independent media
    in Moldova.
        Finally, we reaffirm the importance of continued cooperation between
    the United States and Moldova in promoting regional security, including
    through our common efforts at combating the proliferation of weapons of
    mass destruction; transnational crime; and trafficking in persons. We
    will deepen our cooperation to combat international terrorist threats to
    world peace both in our own countries and internationally. The United
    States appreciates Moldova's support in the global war on terrorism.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.