# What This Resolution About Moldova Actually Does

This is a resolution expressing Congress's support for Moldova, a small Eastern European country that borders Romania and Ukraine. Think of it as an official statement of friendship and commitment rather than a law that creates new rules or spending. The resolution celebrates Moldova's 30 years of independence and pledges that the United States will continue backing the country's efforts to build a stronger democracy, fight corruption, and improve its economy.

The resolution highlights what the U.S. has already done with Moldova—we've given them about $1.7 billion in assistance over the years and work together on security and democratic reforms. It also celebrates Moldova's recent elections, where voters chose a female president and parliament focused on fighting corruption and moving closer to Europe. The resolution encourages U.S. government agencies like the State Department and international development organizations to keep increasing their support for Moldova's justice system, energy independence, infrastructure, and business opportunities.

A major part of this resolution deals with Russia's military presence in Moldova's Transnistria region, a separatist area that Russia has effectively controlled since the 1990s. The resolution calls on Russia to withdraw its troops and stop interfering in Moldova's affairs, and it affirms that Moldova has the right to choose its own partnerships—including joining the European Union—without pressure from outside powers. It also supports ongoing negotiations to resolve the Transnistria conflict while respecting Moldova's borders and sovereignty.

For most Americans, this resolution won't have direct practical effects on daily life. It's essentially Congress saying "we support Moldova's independence and democratic development" and encouraging the executive branch to continue and expand existing aid and partnership programs. It reflects broader U.S. foreign policy concerns about Russian influence in Eastern Europe and support for democratic nations trying to move westward toward Europe.

Reaffirming support for strong United States and Moldova relations, Moldova's democracy, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Price, David E.

This resolution reaffirms that it is U.S. policy to support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Moldova. The resolution supports the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Moldova as a means to strengthen their relations and enhance the reforms already being undertaken by Moldova. The resolution reaffirms the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections in Moldova. The resolution affirms Moldova's right to determine its own partnerships and its right to associate with the European Union or any regional organization. The resolution calls upon the government of Russia to <ul> <li>fulfill its commitments made at the Istanbul summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1999, </li> <li>withdraw its military forces and munitions from Moldova, </li> <li> refrain from issuing economic threats or exerting pressure against Moldova, and</li> <li> cease any and all actions that support separatist movements within Moldova. </li> </ul> The resolution supports efforts to resolve the Transnistria conflict through a comprehensive settlement that secures Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while providing a special status for the Transnistrian region within Moldova. Finally, this resolution affirms that lasting stability and security in Moldova is a key priority for the United States and can only be achieved if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova and all other European countries are respected.