Memorandum on Destruction of Obsolete Ammunition Concluded in Moscow

Chisinau, April 24, 2013 — Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) concluded on Wednesday, April, 24, a Memorandum on Destruction of National Army’s Obsolete Ammunition.

The memorandum was signed at the ICRC’s regional office in Moscow, by Col. Andrei Sarban, Deputy Chief of National Army Main Staff, and Michel Masson, ICRC regional diplomatic advisor to Russia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

According to Col. Sarban, the document continues cooperation in maintaining and raising the level of security in ammunition storages. “The memorandum was concluded after a few negotiations were carried out by the Ministry of Defense and ICRC representatives. During these talks, we considered the possibility of obtaining financial support for the development of a program on destruction of National Army obsolete ammunition, that are extremely dangerous for civilians living in the vicinity of ammunition warehouses”, Col. Sarban said.

The quoted source specified that, in compliance with the document, in the second half of May, a project on destroying about 60 tons of air bombs dating back to Soviet period will be implemented.

In 2012 the National Army destroyed about 12 tons of obsolete ammunition with financial support of foreign partners.