“The procedure for registering ships under the Moldovan flag needs to be revised, and the decisions taken on the matter must be preceded by a thorough analysis”, stated Prime Minister Vlad Filat, returning to this subject during Wednesday’s Government meeting. The PM has mentioned that there are currently 430 ships registered in Moldova, 163 of which are sea-faring, 216 for internal navigation and 51 fluvial ships. Vlad Filat has requested an evaluation regarding this situation. “It is necessary for these decisions to be taken not only on the basis of some requests, but also considering the financial aspect, as well as other important aspects, regardless of where these requests come from. It is very important that these decisions be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. A strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transports and Road Infrastructure and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration will allow us to perfect the current legal framework in this area”, stressed the Premier. Notified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, the Ministry of Transports and Road Infrastructure decided to strip12 Iranian ships of the right to raise the Moldovan flag. A publication in Malta wrote that at the beginning of this week, at least 8 Iranian oil tankers raised Moldovan flags. Subsequently, the Moldovan authorities have confirmed that 12 Iranian ships were registered under the Moldovan flag between the May and June this year, but that they had their licenses revoked after it was found out that the ships were targets of western sanctions against Iran. The EU embargo on Iranian oil imports is in effect since July 1st. According to the arrangement, the import of raw Iranian oil is forbidden in the territory of UE state-members.