In show of support for PM Filat’s reform agenda, international donors conference 24 March promised $2.6bn aid-package to country.

In review of policy toward frozen Transdniestria conflict, EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) 22 Feb adopted conclusions denouncing continued absence of political settlement, restricted freedom of movement, calling for resumption of 5+2 settlement talks. FAC extended visa ban against Transdniestrian leaders by 12 months until Feb 2011, but suspended implementation until end Sept to encourage progress. Transdniestrian leader Smirnov mid-month announced readiness to host Russian tactical missiles in response to Romanian agreement early month to accept deployment of U.S. interceptor missiles.

Delegation headed by PM Filat travelled to U.S. mid month to meet with U.S. Sec State Clinton, signing agreement on further U.S. financial aid. EU 12 Jan opened negotiations on Association Agreement with Moldova aimed at greater political, economic integration. Romanian President Basescu 27 Jan made first visit to country after election of new govt.

Parliament 7 Dec failed to elect governing coalition candidate Marian Lupu as president following opposition Communist walkout. 4 Communist MPs subsequently announced withdrawal from Communist party, citing walkout and dissatisfaction with leadership. Parliament 29 Dec blocked election of former president Voronin to Moldova’s permanent delegation to Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, prompting Communist boycott of delegation. Former interior minister and Chisnau police chief both charged with negligence over response to April post-election violence.

Election of govt coalition’s presidential candidate Marian Lupu blocked by opposition Communist walkout of parliament 10 Nov, leaving insufficient deputies required for valid ballot; new vote to be held 10 Dec.

Amid confrontational atmosphere between Communists and pro-European coalition AIE, Constitutional Court 9 Sept threw out Communist Party complaint contesting selection of Mihail Ghimpu as Speaker following their lateAug parliament walkout. Acting President Voronin resigned 11 Sept. Communists 15 Sept said may vote for AIE presidential candidate (AIE needs 8 Communist votes to elect president) if coalition adheres to their social program, does not pursue NATO membership. Ghimpu recognized as acting president by Constitutional Court 17 Sept, nominated Vlad Filat PM. Filat immediately announced intention to adopt austerity measures to qualify for IMF assistance. New govt approved by parliament 25 Sept; Filat announced priorities include European integration, late-month visited Brussels. Parliament election for President expected Oct.

4 parties – Liberal Democratic Party, Liberal Party, Our Moldova Alliance, Democratic Party – holding 53 out of 101 parliament seats, 8 Aug announced formation of coalition Alliance for European Integration, intent to hold talks with Communist party to secure necessary 61 votes to elect president. Communist Party 22 Aug confirmed will not join coalition, 25 Aug turned down invitation to talk with coalition parties as one grouping, preferring separate talks. At first sitting of parliament 28 Aug, coalition secured election of Parliament speaker, nominated former Communist and Democratic Party leader Marian Lupu for president; Communist party walked out of session.

New general elections 29 July saw 4 main opposition parties win over 50% of vote and 53 seats in 101-member parliament; Communists won 45% of vote and 48 seats. Opposition 30 July vowed to form coalition govt but deal remains unclear, with parties’ combined seats falling short of 61 votes needed to appoint new president, and speculation over future role of Communist Party. OSCE gave election overall postitive assessment, but noted “subtle intimidation and media bias”.

After first parliamentary vote to select new president failed in May due to opposition boycott, Communists again failed to win 61 votes required to approve their candidate in second vote 3 June, gaining only 60 votes. Former president Voronin to continue as interim president; 15 June dissolved parliament, called new general legislative election 29 July.