Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: After Moldova gained its independence, the United States were always a support for our country. For 25 years, the American nation was a strategic friend for Moldova. Which determines these good relations?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: For us is very important that Moldova should be a prosperous and successful country. We are next to Moldova to help it, to establish this prosperity and democracy.

Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: How do you see the evolution of the Moldovan state after 1991? What is in your opinion, the biggest mistakes done in the political, social, economic field?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: We know that there were done many mistakes, I think that the future is the most important thing. Moldova is a relatively new country and had a very short experience, especially in comparison to my country. I think that there is a very big potential here and we are here to help this country develop. I believe that there is a very big potential for it to become reality.

Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: Which are the advantages of our country? What we did not explore to the utmost from the national resources and maybe even ignored them?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: The main resource in this country is the people. Moldovan citizens have a pretty high level of education. I had the chance to meet many young people from this country, they are very creative that may go a long way.

Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: Did the Moldovan people manage to get rid of the soviet mark? Or these soviet marks and prints can influence us even in the future?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: I think that the soviet heritage is present even nowadays and has a specific effect on people’s mentality. I think that it is a challenge to do the necessary change to direct this country to the European way. I think that the fate of Moldova is in Europe.

Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: Talking about the European way. The United States of America are supporting very much the European integration of Moldova. Do you see any irremovable way for Moldova, or there might be factors which can hinder the development in this direction?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: Moldova is a part of Europe. I think that it is obvious that only the European way is the logical one. But you don’t have to choose. I think that there might be maintained good relations with both East and West. I think that it is logical for Russia to have good markets that could help Moldova a lot.

Olivia Furtuna, Prime TV journalist: Mr. Ambassador, in the context of the 25 years of independence of Moldova, what message do you have for Moldovan citizens?

James D. Pettit, USA Ambassador to Moldova: My message is: 25 years together with the United States of America. We are a partner that was here from the beginning and we will continue to be together with this country, because the fate of Moldova is a very important thing for us.