EU Says Tighter Transdniestrian Border Benefits All

Protestors from Transdniester demonstrate in March against new customs measures at the separatist region's border with Moldova (RFE/RL) BRUSSELS, April 4, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The European Commission today defended customs measures implemented by Moldova and Ukraine to shut out illegal exports from Transdniester.

Commission spokeswoman Emma Udwin says she believes the initial problems at the Transdniestrian-Ukrainian border have been largely solved and that the self-imposed blockade by Transdniester has ended.

Udwin said the measures are in everyone's interests.

"We believe that it is extremely important that the value of the regime that has been put in place is understood by all parties," she said. "We have no intention of blockading [Transdniester]. What we want to see is a transparent border that serves the interests of all and ensures that revenues that are due to Chisinau flow to Chisinau and not to Tiraspol."

Udwin also said the EU border monitoring mission operating in Moldova and Ukraine since late last year has made "some finds" in tracking down illicit goods and has identified ways in which border controls have so far been evaded.

Udwin also reiterated the long-held EU policy of nonrecognition of Transdniester. She said the EU "clearly supports the territorial integrity of Moldova."