Madrid, Spain 4 June 2003

Statement of Mr. Nicolae DUDAU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova at the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Meeting Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today we can certainly affirm that the Prague Summit was a good opportunity to assess the EAPC and Partnership for Peace activities so as to enhance their contributions to the security and stability strengthening, in a new security environment, at the sub regional level, especially in the South Eastern Europe. 'Ihe Republic of Moldova is interested in attaining the objectives of the Prague Summit, particularly the ones regarding the new relations with the partners and the new operational capabilities. In the light of these new developments, I would like to confirm the firm option of the Republic of Moldova to integrate into the European structures and the cooperation with NATO is fully incorporated into this process. Beginning with the year of 2002 the Republic of Moldova is part of the South Eastern European Security Cooperation Steering Group (SEEGROUP). This year my country adhered to several relevant projects in this field, such as SESTUDY, SEECHANGE, SEESTAFF, SEEMAG and. as a Southeastern European state, the Republic of Moldova considers this way to be the most efficient in synchronizing with the regional processes and gradually integrate in the Euro-Atlantic structures. The cooperation between Republic of Moldova and the Alliance has very concrete and practical outcomes. As a proof of that is the successful implementation - together with the Alliance's assistance - of the missile fuel "Melanj" neutralization project and the destruction of the antipersonnel land mines stocks from the Republic of Moldova. We appreciate the NATO availability to identify the possibilities to assist the implementation of another important project regarding the destruction of the prohibited and futile chemical substances stocks located on the former military units' territory and the decontamination of the affected lands from these extremely poisonous substances. We consider that one of the main threats to the regional stability is the lack of border security in South Eastern Europe. In this context I would like to draw your attention upon a matter, which is of great concern to the Republic of Moldova and, namely, the situation on the Transnistrian segment of the Moldavian-Ukrainian border, which is out of the constitutional authorities control. This situation encourages the illicit economic and financial activities, the traffic with weapons, drugs, human beings, etc. The Republic of Moldova welcomes the EU involvement in the Transnistrian problem settlement and I believe NATO could also contribute to this process, by providing support to enhance border security, re-qualify the military personnel and converse the former military units, as well as its involvement in the post-conflict time period. This topic could be discussed in the framework of "19+1" (NATO-RM) format negotiations. In the end, I would like to thank the Alliance and its members for their interest and for the offered support in solving these major problems, which, as a result, will contribute to reduce the security risks of my country and of the whole region. Thank you