OSCE PA seminar on federalism starts in Moldova

CHISINAU, 12 May 2003 - Bruce George, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) joined fellow parliamentarians from the Moldovan Parliament and the Transdniestrian Supreme Soviet today in Chisinau to open a key seminar on federalism in the Moldovan Parliament. The seminar is the first meeting between representatives of the two legislative bodies since the formation last month of a Joint Constitutional Commission (JCC), to draft a new federal constitution for a reunited country.

The seminar, organized by the OSCE PA, in close co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Moldova, is part of the OSCE's efforts to reunite Moldova. The seminar provides an opportunity for representatives of the two sides to hear about European experiences in federalism from representatives of the parliaments of Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. Ambassador William Hill, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, the Personal Representative of the Chairman-in-Office to Moldova, Ambassador Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged, experts and officials from the European Union and the Venice Commission will also speak. The seminar is chaired by Kimmo Kiljunen of Finland, Vice President of the OSCE PA.

In opening the two-day event, Mr. George referred to the difficult task of drafting a new constitution for Moldova on a federal basis: "It is vital that in this critical moment for your country the elected political leaders recognize their responsibilities," he said. "This may include taking difficult decisions and making compromises in order to secure a better future for the country and its people."

Mr. George also addressed the two sides' representatives in the recently formed JCC, who are taking part in the seminar as well. "The international community has provided the impetus in this process, but ultimately the new constitution for Moldova must come from within the country and reflect the interests of all its citizens," he told them.

Significantly, the second day of the seminar will take place in the Transdniestrian Supreme Soviet in Tiraspol, in the Trandniestrian region of the Republic of Moldova.