Ministry of Defense and ICRC – Joint Projects on Protection of Population

CHISINAU, June 28, 2012 — The protection of civilians and dangers threatening their security as a result of military operations were discussed today by the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and regional representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to Republic of Moldova.

According to Col. Andrei Sarban, Deputy Chief of Main Staff for Resource Management, the meeting focused mainly on the National Army ammunition security and pesticide contamination on the territory of our country. The parties covered the possibility of cooperation within the projects implemented by the Ministry of Defense in common with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) implying disposal of expired ammunition.

“We hope to start a long-term cooperation with ICRC in term of identifying resources to maintain security of National Army ammunition, as well as projects of pesticide storage, packing and destruction on territory of our country”, Sarban said.

Michel Masson, ICRC regional diplomatic advisor, stated the organization he represents is committed to enhancing cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, as well as carrying out joint projects related to the implementation of the Law of Armed Conflict.

The National Army — ICRC cooperation plan was signed in 2007 and it provides the establishment of a Group of implementation of the Law of Armed Conflict, as well as the training of military personnel deployed to international missions.