Moldovan government decides participation of servicemen in training course in Ukraine

Chisinau, 6 September /MOLDPRES/- The cabinet approved today a decision on the participation of Moldovan soldiers in “Rapid Trident” training course in Ukraine. The issue was on the agenda at the suggestion of Prime Minister Pavel Filip, who was concerned that President Igor Dodon forbids Moldovan servicemen to take part in training abroad, where the National Army staff gain experience.

Filip said he does not understand Dodon’s final refusal to allow Moldovan soldiers to participate in an exercise in Ukraine on 7-23 September 2017 at the military training centre Yavoriv, Ukraine.

“President Dodon already for the fifth time forbids the participation of the National Army servicemen in training abroad. This creates a worrying situation. Recently, he refused their participation in military drills in Ukraine. I want to mention that the budget for military drills is mostly provided by our external partners, about 80 per cent of money. Thus, non-participation of our country in the military drills would amount to 5 million lei. There are no plausible grounds, because no one wants to have an untrained and weak army, unless the goals are pursued”, the premier said.

Filip also noted “to curb speculation in the future” reminds that “government by law is obliged to ensure the increase of capability of the National Army”, and for these reasons, the government decision was approved, and those who forbid the Moldovan soldiers to attend training and drills only weaken it.

57 Moldovan soldiers are to participate in “Rapid Trident” training course, due in Ukraine. The Defense Ministry has notified the presidency, but Dodon notes that the institution must demand his acceptance as supreme commander of the army and not just inform the presidential institution. Previously, Dodon blocked the Moldovan servicemen participation in a joint mission with NATO in Romania.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor A. Răileanu)