Parliament Speaker Marian Lupu pleaded during his official visit to the US for Moldova’s exclusion from the Jackson-Vanick Amendment by August 2012. Marian Lupu also pleaded for Permanent Trade Relations between Moldova and the USA, reports Info-Prim Neo, quoting a communiqué from the Parliament. Access to such relations will directly influence mutual commercial-economic cooperation. In this context, Marian Lupu mentioned that Moldova will highly appreciate US’ Department of State’s contribution to this matter. The Speaker also noted that switching to Permanent Normal Trade Relations will help diversify the range of Moldovan exports, will loosen Moldova’s dependency on only several markets, will consolidate the country’s regional status, as well as attract US investments into Moldova’s economy, which would grant stable economic growth. During the visit to the US, Marian Lupu had a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State Phillip Gordon. The official described the Jackson-Vanick Amendment as an “anachronistic inheritance” from the Soviet era, and said that he pleads for the abolition of the amendment. Phillip Gordon added that Moldova has registered great progress in the implementation of democratic reforms, emphasizing the importance of the efforts put into fighting corruption and enforcing the supremacy of the Law. In regards to the Transnistrian conflict, Phillip Gordon mentioned USA’s willingness to actively participate in the 5+2 negotiation format, in order to solve the conflict, thus looking for a more active cooperation between the USA and the EU in this sense. Marian Lupu had another meeting, with US House of Representatives’ Speaker, John A. Boehner, with whom he discussed on topics concerning the consolidation and diversification of relations in all fields, Moldova’s internal policy evolution, including the President’s election in March 2012, and the implementation of political and economic reforms. John A. Boehner has added that the US will continue support Moldova in the promotion of reforms in different sectors, in its effort for development and European integration. Also, the Speaker took part in the inauguration Reunion of the Group of Friends of Moldova in the US Congress, “Congressional Moldova Caucus”, with the participation of the Group’s Co-Presidents, American Congressmen David Price and John Pitts, as well as Senator John McCain. Joe Pitts emphasized US’ interest in Moldova’s evolution and perspectives, mentioning the partnership between the two countries. The US Congressman gave positive feedback on Moldova’s performance in political, economic and institutional reform. In the same context, David Price pleaded for the consolidation of bilateral cooperation with Moldova’s Parliament. The US Congressman said that he wishes the consolidation of the bilateral US-Moldova partnership, and the improvement of political discussions to a level that would serve both of the countries’ strategic interests. David Price also opted for intensifying friendship and cooperation relations between Moldova and North Carolina, including on the Parliamentary level, and the exclusion of Moldova from the Jackson-Vanick Amendment. Marian Lupu is currently on a 5-day official visit to the USA (June 18 to 22).