Ukraine joins European Union declaration on referendum in Transdniester

The Finnish presidency on behalf of the European Union passed a declaration on September 17 referendum in Transdniester.

The European Union is aware that a "referendum" in the Transdniestrian region of the Republic of Moldova took place on September 17, 2006. This "referendum" contradicts the internationally recognized sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The EU considers that the situation in Transdniester does not allow the free expression of popular will. The EU reiterates that it recognizes neither the "referendum" nor its outcome.

The European Union calls upon the mediators and observers in the OSCE-led 5+2 talks to make public statements to the same effect.

The European Union fully supports Moldova's territorial integrity and calls on both parties to the conflict to return immediately to the negotiating table in the 5+2 format and work towards a speedy and transparent solution of the Transdniester conflict.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine align themselves with this declaration.