Moldovan PM, EU diplomacy chief discuss energy security

CHISINAU. April 24 (Interfax) - Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean and the European Union's High Representatives for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas have met in Chisinau to discuss energy security, defense cooperation and Moldova's European integration process, Moldovan government's press service said in a statement on Thursday.

"The EU diplomacy chief stressed that the use of energy resources as a political weapon is unacceptable," the statement said.

The sides also discussed strengthening security and defense cooperation, it said. "In this context they praised the European Peace Facility assistance and the contribution of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova to developing its potential in crisis management and countering external threats," the statement said.

The pair also discussed the EU's contribution to upgrading the road infrastructure, bolstering national security, building hospitals and providing proper medical services, creating best possible conditions for schools and kindergartens, and compensating all citizens in Moldova their electricity and heating bills.

Moldova's EU integration does not depend on the Transdniestria conflict's settlement because these are two different processes, Kallas said.

The accession depends first of all on the pace and quality of the reforms being implemented by authorities, she told journalists. There are examples of other countries that joined the EU despite having similar territorial issues, on the condition they completed the reform process, she said.

It is important that any such conflict does not influence the EU accession, or vice versa, Kallas said.

Brussels is watching the Transnidestria situation to prevent any escalation, she said.