8 Comments
User's avatar
Jane S. Gabin's avatar

Interesting to explore the exact nature of these “partnerships.”

David Smith's avatar

Well, mostly the nature of them seems to be "they do not exist"

David Jarmul's avatar

Excellent reporting, David. It exemplifies the importance of Moldova Matters and why people should subscribe to it.

David Smith's avatar

Thanks David!

Basil Nikas's avatar

Dave, what has the US embassy have to say?

Have they advised the delegation of the dubious nature of the sponsor group?

Is AmCham advising the delegation of their non endorsement of this visit?

Are them members of the delegation permitted to accept the funding of this trip by a private, non registered (lobby)?

Thanks for bringing this to light.

Basil

David Smith's avatar

Hi Basil,

I'm not sure about many of those questions, USMI is organizing this trip directly and as a privately funded CODEL they are under no obligation to meet with AMCHAM, etc.

Members of Congress are permitted to go on funded trips provided they are approved by the House / Senate Ethics Committee. If this CODEL goes ahead the documents requesting and obtaining that approval will be made public - probably around 30 days after the fact.

Karen Hughes's avatar

I'd be interested in the names of the US congress persons who will participate.

David Smith's avatar

Hi Karen - USMI lists 4 members of Congress but one confirmed to me that they aren't coming. They are listed in the article but you can read more about it here:

https://www.moldovamatters.md/p/who-is-funding-the-usmi-codel-to