By participating in international peacekeeping missions, Moldova helps generate security - acting PM says

Chisinau, 8 July /MOLDPRES/- A new contingent of the National Army was deployed today to the KFOR peacekeeping operation in Kosovo. Attending the event were acting prime minister Aureliu Ciocoi, Defense Minister Victor Gaiciuc, ambassadors, relatives of servicemen. The 15th contingent includes 40 soldiers: a light infantry platoon and a genius team (EOD), the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

Aureliu Ciocoi wished success to the military contingent, ready to represent our country in a new mission, after a long process of pre-selection and training.

"I am proud the 15th contingent comes to confirm for the 15th time the fact that the Republic of Moldova is not only a consumer, but also a security generator, or the generation of security offered by our country is just you. Today you have become the military ambassadors of the Republic of Moldova. I hope you will proudly carry the flag of our country during the mission ", he said.

At the same time, the official noted that although the Republic of Moldova is fully involved in the international peacekeeping exercise in Kosovo, the government will examine the opportunity to expand the list of missions in which our country should be involved on the UN and EU segment, maintaining the status of military neutrality.

"It remains to be seen what could be the missions that the Republic of Moldova can assume in addition to what it is doing now within KFOR. Given that we are a militarily neutral state, I cannot help but emphasize that neutrality costs money. Or the costs of maintaining military neutrality arise due to the need to reform the National Army and bring it in line with the requirements necessary to maintain the country's effective defense capabilities, " he said.

As of 2014, 527 servicemen have completed mission in the international peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, with the contingent rotating every 6 months.

The military contingent of the National Army is deployed to Camp Vilaggio base in Italy. Their mission is to provide security and safety in the area, to patrol jointly with Italian forces, to recognize minefields, or to conduct mountaineering training. The KFOR military has the support of partner states - Italy and the United States.

photo: Government