U.S. HELSINKI COMMISSION BRIEFING: Moldova’s Recent Elections: Prospects for Change in Europe’s Poorest Country. Thursday, August 6, 2009; 10:00 AM. SVC 202/203 of the Capitol Visitor Center, US Capitol
Violent street protests erupted following the first round of elections in Moldova four months ago and highlighted the polarization between Moldova's ruling Communists and the opposition parties. The OSCE noted that these elections "met many international standards and commitments, but further improvements are required to ensure an electoral process free from undue administrative interference and to increase public confidence."
This briefing discussed the results of Moldova’s recent snap parliamentary elections and their implications for U.S.-Moldova relations and regional policy.
The following officials and experts were invited to participate:
· H.E. Nicolae Chirtoaca*, Ambassador of Moldova to the United States
· Hon. Valentina Cusnir, former member of Moldova's parliament
· Ms. Nadine Gogu, acting director of the Independent Journalism Center in Chisinau, Moldova
· Amb. Louis O'Neill, former Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova
* The Moldovan Government was represented by Mr. Andrei Galbur, Minister counselor of the Moldova Embassy in the United States.
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Photo from the briefing
Video of the briefing
Text of Statements (in the order statements were delivered):
- Andrei Galbur
- Nadine Gogu
- Valentina Cusnir
- Louis O'Neill
