Georgia and Republic of Moldova reaffirm the need for full respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all States and the inviolability of international borders, requiring continued international efforts in accordance with the United Nations Charter, the commitments of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the fundamental principles of international law, and European norms and practices. On this basis, we strive to eliminate threats to international peace and security stemming from aggressive separatism, with a view to resolving the externally-inspired protracted conflicts in both our countries.

Zones of conflict and separatist territories have become "black holes" in our countries and are openly supported from the outside. These territories function as criminal havens where massive contraband enriches a few corrupt leaders, while the populations live in poverty; where basic human rights are disregarded; where hundreds of thousands of remain outside their native homes and where arms smuggling, human and drug trafficking, and kidnapping are considered "business as usual".

On illegally controlled territories of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, separatists violate even the most basic rights of children. Thus in Transnistria, schools are persecuted, the Latin alphabet is banished. In the Gali region of Abkhazia, teachers are prohibited to teach their students in their native Georgian language.

The presence and direct involvement of foreign military forces in the Republic of Moldova and in Georgia has become the main catalyst of these conflicts. Therefore, the speedy removal of the foreign military forces from the territory of the two countries represents the common interest of our countries and the entire region.

The removal of military forces from the territories of our states is in the interest of Russia itself; good relations with Russia are an important priority for Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. A friendly and secure region should be in Russia's interest as well.

Aggressive separatism in Georgia and the Republic of Moldova has created fertile ground for the imperial ambitions of those who do not want our countries to be free and prosperous. That is why armed separatism is not a mere term, but rather is a criminal activity; that represents not only a "local problem", but rather a problem for all Europe. Therefore, we strongly believe that Europe should not and cannot tolerate these `Black Holes` on Europe's new borders.

The Georgia and Republic of Moldova affirm the importance of multi-faceted economic and political measures against armed separatism to enable our countries to become integrated into the Wider Europe and in particular to strengthen our cooperation within the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy initiative.

The Georgia and Republic of Moldova will also undertake joint diplomatic steps in international forums against aggressive separatism, which is an antithesis of democracy, and epitomizes totalitarian structures, terrorism, massive violation of human rights, trafficking, arms and drug smuggling, unlawful trade and money laundering, transnational corruption.

Georgia and the Republic of Moldova hereby declare that:

- We affirm and declare our support for a society in which the rights of all citizens are equally protected regardless of their nationality, political beliefs, sex and confession.

- We affirm and declare our support for a society, in which the cultural and language rights of all the ethnic communities are guaranteed and secured.

- We affirm and declare our support for the exclusively peaceful resolution of the conflicts taking into consideration the interests of all the people residing on these territories.

- We affirm and declare our support so that the people in the separatist-ruled territories to rejoin us in the framework of democratic states and of peaceful Europe.

- We affirm and declare our support to ensure shared and equal benefits that stem from our common European heritage which has its roots in European civilization and prosperity.

- And we hereby affirm and declare the Republic of Moldova and Georgia's foremost goal to complete the process of joining Europe. Let all of us join Europe together and help complete the Third Wave of European liberation.

Communications Office
of the President of Georgia