Cabinet members discuss situation of Moldovans taken hostages by Taliban

Chisinau, 5 December /MOLDPRES/ - Acting Prime Minister Gheorghe Brega today morning summoned acting Interior Minister Oleg balan, Defence Minister Anatol Salaru, Director of the Intelligence and Security Service Mihai Balan, as well as Secretary-General of the Foreign and European Integration Ministry (MAEIE) Anatol Vangheli to a meeting to exchange opinions on the evolution of the situation of the Moldovans who had been taken hostages in Afghanistan, the government's communication and media relations department has reported. 

The officials gave assurances that they undertook every action allowed by legislation, so that the Moldovan citizens be brought home as soon as possible and in maximum security. Anatol Vangheli said the representatives of the MAEIE crisis cell were in direct contact with decision-makers from other states to settle this case.

At the same time, the participants in the meeting reiterated that the public disclosure of details on the actions undertaken to release the Moldovans might be to the detriment of the hostages.

The helicopter of the air company VALAN MI17-1V was seized in Afghanistan on 24 November 2015, after it had made an emergency landing. Three Moldovans - members of the crew, as well as 18 Afghan citizens were onboard the airship. The helicopter was not part of the UN mission in Afghanistan.

(Editor L. Alcaza)