Moldova: SALW Destruction
SEESAC has provided assistance to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Republic of Moldova for SALW destruction in 2005 and 2007.
In 2009 MIA has requested support from SEESAC for implementation of SALW control interventions. Specifically, MIA plans to destroy the stocks of surplus and confiscated weapons in the period 2007-2009.
Representatives from MIA and SEESAC have discussed modalities of the project. They have agreed on the method of destruction and the time frame for the project implementation. The project will be carried out in full compliance with the applicable environmental legislation in Moldova. The destruction event is expected to take place during September - October 2009.
The destruction of weapons has been scheduled for 06 October 2009.
On 06 October 2009, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova destroyed 2,374 small arms and light weapons confiscated or voluntarily surrendered since 2007. The destruction took place at the Chisinau industrial facility of S.A. “ARALIT”. The destruction was part of the Southeastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) assistance programme to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova in the area of SALW control. The project was made possible through the generous support of Norway.
The event, which was attended by numerous representatives of the media, diplomatic missions and civil society, was opened by H.E. Victor Catan, Minister of Internal Affairs and Ms. Louisa Vinton, Senior Programme Manager and Team Leader, RBEC, UNDP New York. Also present was the UNDP Resident Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Kaarina Immonen. Mr. Catan stressed the importance of continued support for SALW control programmes in Moldova, while Ms. Vinton talked of the impact of SALW on development. Both high officials stressed the contribution that such events had in supporting armed violence prevention efforts in Moldova.
The project succeeded in drawing valuable public attention to the efforts of the Moldovan Government to implement SALW control measures. As a confidence and security building measure it has provided tangible evidence to the civil population that recovered weapons will be destroyed and permanently taken out of circulation.
The Moldovan Government has destroyed over 6,000 weapons since 2005.
