Awards and Appreciation for Moldovan Servicemembers that Participated in Iraq Mission

CHISINAU, September 6, 2013 —" Republic of Moldova now has an international reputation because Moldovan EOD engineers destroyed more than 350 thousand dangerous ammunition and carried out some other important missions as part of six contingents deployed to Iraq, US Ambassador to Republic of Moldova, William H. Moser, stated during the ceremony dedicated to the 10^th anniversary since the deployment of the first Moldovan contingent to post-conflict reconstruction operation in Iraq.

Ambassador Moser thanked Moldovan participants in “Iraqi freedom” operation for their outstanding work. “The deployment of troops for a period of six years requires many resources which, I believe, demonstrates the greatness of your people and military. The USA appreciate Republic of Moldova’s dedication to international peacekeeping goals”, William H. Moser said.

Retired Maj. Gen. Ion Coropcean, Prime-Minister’s advisor, Ion Coropcean, mentioned that the mission in Iraq tested Republic of Moldova’s dedication to UN goals and its ability to respond to the international community’s grievances. The fact the Iraqi Government and the leaders of the multinational coalition awarded the National Army military for their achievements in Iraq proves that they had successfully passed this test.

Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta said that taking part in international missions is a core priority for the National Army, mainly given the fact that Moldovan military posses the necessary qualification and skills for that. “After ten years since the first military contingent had been deployed to Iraq, I may say with enthusiasm that our servicemembers have done their job with professionalism”, the Minister stated.

During the event, the participants in “Iraqi freedom” operation were awarded diplomas on behalf of Republic of Moldova’s Government and medals and orders from the US Government and the National Army.

The guests also kept a moment of silence to remember militaries, policemen and civilians dead in missions.

The ceremony program also included the inauguration of the photo exhibition “National Army servicemembers in peacekeeping missions”, that displayed 30 pictures taken during their mission.

Republic of Moldova has deployed 107 servicemembers, including main staff officers, infantrymen and EOD engineers, to post-conflict reconstruction operation in Iraq from 2003 till 2008. Throughout six missions, Moldovan EOD destroyed about 400 thousand explosive devices.