SWITZERLAND SHARES OBSERVERS’ CONCERN ABOUT VIOLATIONS DURING ELECTIONS IN MOLDOVA

Switzerland shares international observers’ concerns about the violations revealed in the course of the February 24 parliamentary elections, and calls the Moldovan leadership to analyze the situation in order to consolidate democratic processes in the country.

That was said in the Press Release prepared on the occasion of the two-day visit paid to Chisinau on March 13-14 by Guillaume Scheurer, the Kiev-based Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Moldova

The Swiss diplomat met Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Tudor Ulianovschi, Central Election Commission Chairperson Alina Rusu, representatives of political forces, members of the civil society and diplomatic community.

During the meetings, Guillaume Scheurer said that Switzerland takes due note of the OSCE/ODIHR preliminary conclusions regarding the February 24 parliamentary elections that took place in the Republic of Moldova, namely that they were competitive and generally respected fundamental rights.

However, Switzerland also shares international observers’ concerns regarding the reported irregularities and urges Moldovan authorities to look into the matter, with a view to further strengthen the democratic process in Moldova and enhance the trust in public institutions, said the Press Release.

Ambassador Guillaume Scheurer said his country further encourages the Republic of Moldova to follow-up on the concrete recommendations provided by the ODIHR preliminary report, as well as on other international recommendations, such as those from the Council of Europe’s Venice commission.

“Switzerland reiterates its commitment to pursuing its development cooperation program with Moldova and looks forward to intensifying it in particular regarding meaningful reforms. It also hopes for the constitution of a new government that will serve the interests of people and will strive to improve the well-being and prosperity of all citizens”, said the Press release.

Switzerland had been supporting Moldova’s political, social and economic transition process since 2000, being a major grant giving partner. At present, Switzerland is the largest bilateral donor in the health and culture sectors of the country.