B4-1087, 1100, 1138, 1144 and 1151/98

Resolution on a political settlement to the Trans-Dniestrian problem

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova,

- having regard to the "Moscow Memorandum¨ on steps to be taken for a future solution of the Moldova-Trans-Dniestria conflict, which was signed on 8 May 1997 between the leaders of the Republic of Moldova and Trans-Dniestria and representatives of the Russian Federation, the Ukraine and the OSCE,

- having regard to the recommendations dated 8 October 1998 of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the declaration of its co-chairmen concerning the Trans-Dniestrian issue,

A. whereas since the end of the Moldovan-Trans-Dniestrian war in July 1992, little progress has been achieved in bringing about a political settlement between Moldova and the separatist region of Trans-Dniestria,

B. alarmed by the presence of considerable quantities of former Soviet weapons and ammunition which continue to be stored in Trans-Dniestria under the protection of the Russian XIVth Army,

C. noting that on 30 November 1998 at the OSCE Ministerial Council, representatives of the OSCE, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine proposed certain practical steps which could assist with resolving the problem,

D. emphasising that decisive steps should be taken to achieve a solution to this conflict, including the starting of a dialogue on the division of competences and the future status of Trans-Dniestria within Moldova, the mutual refraining from escalating actions and the joint exploration of interim cooperative actions, especially in the economic field,

E. whereas the European Union could make a more active contribution to the solution of this problem by increasing TACIS support, and supporting shared infrastructure projects, humanitarian projects for the benefit of both parts of the population and the joint training of cadres, above and beyond the support already made available for the Republic of Moldova,

F. deploring the continued detention in the Trans-Dniestrian region of Mr Ilie Ilascu, a Member of Parliament, sentenced to death in 1992 by the Trans-Dniestrian authorities,

1. Calls on the Government and the Parliament of Moldova and the Trans-Dniestrian authorities to give their fullest possible cooperation to all initiatives to establish a peaceful and negotiated solution to the conflict between the Republic of Moldova and the Trans-Dniestria region;

2. Welcomes the initiative taken by the OSCE meeting and calls on the OSCE and the governments of the Russian Federation and Ukraine to do all in their power to help achieve a negotiated political settlement;

3. Calls on the Commission and the Council to support the process of solving the conflict by giving greater political significance to the matter and through projects benefiting both parts of the population beyond the support already made available within the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;

4. Calls on the Russian Government to continue the withdrawal of Russian troops from Trans-Dniestria including the repatriation to Russia or destruction of all Russian military material stored in Trans-Dniestria;

5. Calls on the Trans-Dniestrian authorities to release immediately Mr Ilie Ilascu and the others imprisoned with him;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the OSCE, and the Parliament and Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Trans-Dniestrian authorities.