Rotation of Peacekeepers from the Security Zone Takes Place in Balti

BALTI, July 19, 2013 — Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta attended today the field exercise “Under Clear Sky — 2013”, held at the Training Ground of Moldova Brigade from Balti, where about 200 National Army soldiers’ readiness for missions in the Security Zone, as part of the joint Peacekeeping Forces (JPF) was evaluated.

Minister Marinuta appreciated the abilities of young soldiers trained for peacekeeping service in the Transnistrian region. “Peacekeepers’ mission is hard, with a lot of challenges, that require special training and ambition. Today, I’ve noticed you are ready to take over the responsibilities of your comrades in military units in the Security Zone. I am confident that, you will be professional, committed and hard working in the next six months of service in the Transnistrian region”, Vitalie Marinuta said.

According to the Commander of the Training Battalion of Moldova Brigade, Maj. Eduard Putina, the young soldiers were evaluated at six training sites after a four-month training, where they familiarized with the Dniester conflict and peacekeeping agreements, peacekeepers’ status, missions at checkpoints, first medical aid and evacuation of injured, patrol, discovery of explosive devices, and others.

The quoted source specified that soldiers tested at this exercise will be transferred to Moldovan Peacekeeping Forces in Cocieri, Cosnita and Varnita.

At the same time, other about 200 conscripts enlisted in July 2012, that did their six-month service in JPF in the Security Zone were demobilized. During the event, Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta awarded diplomas and gifts to 30 best soldiers. The Minister called them not to forget about their peacekeeping experience and always be ready to maintain peace and stability in their country.

Military contingent rotation in JPF in the Security Zone is held twice a year. During this process, soldiers that did their military service as peacekeepers in the Eastern districts of the Republic of Moldova are demobilized. Their responsibilities are taken over by a new contingent of soldiers.