ALDE MEP Graham Watson (UK, LD), rapporteur for the European Parliament on Moldova, commented:

"The results show that a growing majority of Moldovans is in favour of a  pro-European liberal political course.
 
"However, it is disappointing that the liberal democratic alliance parties appear to fall four seats short of the required 61 parliamentary votes necessary to elect a new president - although this may change as the votes cast abroad are counted. ""All parties should now look for ways to end the political crisis and give the country the leadership it deserves."

Mr Watson, a member of the European Liberal Democrats (ELDR), also paid tribute to the leaders of the AMN party which he regretted had failed to be returned to parliament.

Christian Buşoi MEP (Romania, Partidul National Liberal), added:

"I welcome the good result for pro-European parties in the Republic of Moldova. It proves that Moldovan citizens are committed to a European future and happy with the reforms implemented in the past 14 months."

"I really hope that a political solution will be found to enable the election of a new president. I also hope that a pro-European government will continue to reform Moldova's society and economy towards a democratic, competitive and prosperous country, based on the solid rule of law."

Note to editors

Moldova gained independence from Russia in 1991 and has since been politically divided between Western-leaning parties pushing for EU membership and the Communist party which favours closer ties with Russia.

Last night's parliamentary election was the country's third in two years after political deadlock meant that neither side has had the required majority to elect a president since 2009.

The constitution calls for the president to be chosen by at least 60% of the representatives in the 101-seat parliament.

In April 2009, riots broke out in Chisinau, Moldova's capital, when opponents claimed the Communist Party had rigged the vote to hold on to power. A new election in July 2009 was won by pro-Western parties but without the sufficient majority to elect a president. New parliamentary elections were called for the 28th November 2010 in the hope to break the political deadlock.

ENDS