Ministry of Defense Confirms Transport Aircraft Landing on Marculesti Airport

CHISINAU, September 13, 2011 — In order to avoid any rumors and misinterpretation released by the national media regarding the cargo and the destination of the IL-76 aircraft landed on Marculesti International Airport, the Ministry of Defense informs:

An IL-76 aircraft landed on Marculesti International Airport directed by the Ministry of Defense on Tuesday, September 13, at 7:55 a.m.

The aircraft overflew Republic of Moldova airspace with the Moldovan authorities’ permission and landed at Marculesti to load military cargo in compliance with an agreement of the Republic of Moldova Ministry of Defense and a Latvian company from Riga.

According to the agreement, the Ministry of Defense sold the National Army’s obsolete ammunition to the above company. The agreement is perfectly legal and the list of National Army assets was endorsed through Republic of Moldova Parliament decision No. 458 — XV as of June 30, 2001.

IL — 76 Aircraft will take off Marculesti International Airport Tuesday, September 13, afternoon. The cost of the ammunition sold to the Latvian company is confidential as stated in the above trade agreement.