Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk, Moldavian Foreign Minister Andrey Stratan, EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Commission, Moldova and Ukraine paving the way for the launch of an EU Border Mission. The signing ceremony was held at the Ukrainian - Moldavian border-crossing checkpoint Palanka on Friday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Vasily Filipchuk told.

"Having signed this document, we've laid one more brick in establishment of a strong fundament of peace and security in the region of our neighborhood", the Ukrainian top-placed diplomat noted after the signing ceremony. As he stressed, the launching of the EU Border Mission on the Ukrainian - Moldavian borderline is a component part of realization of President Victor Yushchenko's initiative "To the Settlement Through Democracy". According to him, the decision to conclude this agreement proves Ukraine's resoluteness to overcome such negative effects, as smuggling, organized crime and corruption. "Law-abiding citizens and business are celebrating today, while criminals are sad", Borys Tarasyuk noted.

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the cooperation, which consists of technical, political and security elements, is a unique mechanism. "Today Ukraine has once again confirmed its maximal openness and readiness for close cooperation with the European community for the sake of strengthening security and trust in the region", Borys Tarasyuk said.

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