OSCE trains National Army Servicemembers in Management of Ammunition and Weapons Stockpile

Chisinau, March 21, 2014 — The graduates of the “Management of Ammunition and Weapons Stockpile” Course held as a premiere, in the National Army, received on Thursday, March 20, the graduation diplomas within a ceremony held at the Military Academy of the Armed Forces “Alexandru cel Bun”.

The diplomas were awarded by Deputy Defense Minister, Ana Vasilachi, who stated that this course denotes how important the management of ammunition and weapons stockpile is for the defense institution. “This activity is part of actions carried out by the Ministry of Defense with the support of OSCE, that plans to enhance weapons control and reinforce trust and security in the region”, the Deputy Defense Minister said.

The Head of International military policies of the Austrian Armed Forces, Col. Richard Monsberger pointed out that this course is held due to the joint efforts of experts from Austria, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland and OSCE mission, at the iniative of the Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova. “The goal of the multinational experts’ team was to train the staff involved in management of ammunition and weapons stockpile. We appreciate the quick response of the Ministry of Defense and of all the experts involved in planning and conducting this activity”, Col. Monsberger said.

Jennifer Brush, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, claimed that she is confident that this project will contribute to reduction of the risks for people living near ammunition storage depots. “By lowering the risks of ammunition proliferation, we seek to contribute to security and stability in the whole region”, Jennifer Brush said.

The “Management of Ammunition and Weapons Stockpile” course took place within March 5-20 and brought together 28 servicemembers of the National Army and representatives of the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice, as well as the Security Intelligence Service.

A group of experts from the Armed Forces of Austria, Sweden, Canada and Switzerland presented within the course the best international practices in the management of ammunition and weapons stockpile area.

This activity is part of the series of projects carried out within the Memorandum signed on October 28, 2010, between the Ministry of Defense and OSCE on the implementation of the Complex Program on Small Arms and Light Weapons.