[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 51 (Monday, December 23, 2002)]
[Pages 2173-2174]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 with other concerned

[[Page 2174]]

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.