SEESAC contributes to the OSCE Forum on Security Cooperation – Session on Moldova

SEESAC presented results achieved in Moldova under EU Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP, at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation session on 29 March 2017. The forum enabled a discussion on ongoing and planned SALW Control activities in Moldova, and progress made.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Forum, Ambassador Cristian Istrate, noted that OSCE projects in the Republic of Moldova have contributed to building a safer and more secure environment for the civilian population.

Mr. Alexei Belous from the Arms Control Department of the Moldovan General Police Inspectorate (GPI) provided an overview of the challenges and progress in SALW Control in Moldova. “Moldova is aware of the essential need for a SALW Commission, which would coordinate and monitor the activities in the country and is fully committed to its establishment, with the support of the international community”, he said.

Ms. Bojana Balon, SEESAC Coordinator, briefed the Forum about the support SEESAC provided to Moldova as part of its activities implemented under EU Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP, including the upgrade of the Bulboaca Storage Facility and destruction of over 1,400 small arms and light weapons by the GPI in December 2015. Ms. Balon also highlighted SEESAC’s assistance in strengthening PSSM capacities through various training courses, as well as supporting awareness raising on the dangers of misuse of firearms and their voluntary surrender through the “Let’s Make Moldova Safer” Campaign.

In addition, the Moldovan representatives are taking part in South East Europe Firearms Expert Network (SEEFEN) and regional meetings of SALW Commissions, regional processes facilitated by SEESAC that enable information sharing and knowledge exchange, she added. SEESAC will continue its work in Moldova, with the support of EU through the recently adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2356. These will include the security upgrade of SALW storage and two police evidence rooms; destruction of SALW and ammunition; as well as support for improved marking, tracing and recordkeeping of firearms.

Lieutenant-Colonel Andrei Camerzan, General Staff of Moldova’s National Army emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations, calling it “a guarantee of success for SALW/CA assistance projects”, while Lajos Karakas, Politico-Military Officer at the OSCE Mission to Moldova explained that OSCE projects aiming to improve safety of storage sites and dispose of ammunition “will help to reduce risks related to SALW and ammunition and help to prevent their proliferation and misuse.”