PRIME MINISTER: PARTICIPATION OF MOLDOVAN PEACEKEEPERS IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS STRENGTHENS THE IMAGE OF MOLDOVA

The participation of Moldovan peacekeepers in international peacekeeping operations helps to strengthen the image of Moldova,” said Prime Minister Ion Chicu. On Friday he participates in the ceremony of seeing off the 13th contingent of peacekeepers in Kosovo.

He said that in recent years, more than 480 servicemen of the Republic of Moldova have passed through this conflict zone, showing high combat training.

“Your stay in Kosovo is important for the state. In such missions, Moldovan troops are involved in different parts of the world. This allows partners to evaluate our participation in international peacekeeping operations,” said the Head of Government.

The contingent commander, Lieutenant Colonel Veaceslav Corcodel, stated that it is a great honor for the Moldovan militaries to participate in the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo.

“Peacekeepers from 28 countries are participating in the operation. And against their background, Moldovan soldiers and officers will look dignified and professional. We will cope with the task of ensuring peace in the homes of the people of Kosovo,” he said.

The military forces of the Republic of Moldova are deployed at the base Camp Vilaggio Italia in the town of Pech (Kosovo). Their mandate is consign for six months. The parliament approved the participation of military personnel in the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo under the auspices of NATO and the EU at the end of 2013. The first contingent of the Republic of Moldova left for Kosovo in February 2014. The current contingent includes 41 military personnel, of which 33 are infantries, an officer of the headquarters and a group of sappers.

The cost of participation in the operation is about $ 2.5 million per year. Moldova’s participation in Kosovo is funded by the United States and Italy. At the expense of the state budget of the Republic of Moldova, only part of the costs of the operation is covered.