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Ukraine, Moldova need clear-cut perspective for EU membership-Filat

“Europe without Ukraine is not yet Europe. As well as without Moldova,” said Vladimir Filat

KIEV, September 17 (Itar-Tass) — A clear-cut perspective for membership of the European Union is necessary for Ukraine and Moldova, said on Saturday Moldovan premier Vladimir Filat in the discussion “Eastern Europe and Ukraine’s role” at the eighth Yalta forum.

“Europe without Ukraine is not yet Europe. As well as without Moldova,” said the head of government, stressing that his country and Ukraine are not competitors in the process of European integration. “On the contrary, we are sure that we can ensure efficient integration process only jointly.”

He said that reforms that would enable Ukraine and Moldova to comply with European requirements in many spheres of life, are necessary for the two countries themselves. “We do this not for Europe and not for the IMF, we do this for citizens of our countries,” the premier emphasised.

At the same time, Filat called a prospect for membership of the European Union as vitally important for the countries and peoples of Ukraine and Moldova. “This is like a light at the end of the tunnel. It is impossible to live under conditions of uncertainty: you go, but it is not understandable where you will come.

“I know Article 49 of the Lisbon Treaty in English, Moldovan, Russian and Romanian. If this helps I’m ready to learn this article in 27 languages of EU countries. It will cost nothing for the EU to announce a European perspective. This will not mean that we should pay something. This does not mean that somebody should work for us.

“But this is very important as an impetus for the country,” Filat underlined, adding that the accession to the EU is a national idea in Moldova.

“We don’t speak of changing the approach as compared with countries that have already joined the EU. We don’t demand another attitude to our country. Tell us what we should do so that our country and citizens should receive European values. Tell us that when we comply with these demands, we shall receive this status,” Filat addressed the European Union.

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