Moldovan delegation to UCC signals new violation in Security Zone

15.08.2018 05:57
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The Moldovan delegation to the Unified Control Committee expresses its concern and confusion regarding unauthorized military exercises on the Nistru river, which could lead to new tensions in the Security Zone.

A press release from the Bureau for Integration Policies, quoted by IPN, states that on the morning of August 14, unlicensed and unidentified armored and military vehicles were stationed on the left bank of the Nistru river, Târnauca village beach, in the district of Slobozia, close to the pedestrian bridge over the Nistru in Tiraspol. According to reports, the vehicles’ engines could be heard effortlessly, and special military equipment and tech were observed going into the waters of the Nistru.

The military command of the Moldovan Peacekeeping Forces has initiated an inspection of said territory, but the military superior was banned from the premises by unknown individuals, the former having to summon a unit of military observers. Upon their arrival, the armored units and vehicles had already left. The Russian Troops Operative Group (RTOG) military patrol is stationed in the Security Zone illegally, lacking the consent of the Unified Military Command.

In this context, the Bureau for Integration Policies mentions that, as early as August 13, the official site of the Russian Federation Military District had published information mentioning that the RTOG stationed in the Transnistrian region of Moldova was preparing its armored units for drills on crossing water barriers.

The Moldovan delegation to the Unified Control Committee deems the aforementioned actions provocatory and defiant, along with similar drills by Russian Federation troops undertaken within the Security Zone. These are in breach of the current order set for the Security Zone, as well as of that of the peacekeeping mission.

The UN General Assembly has voted on June 23 the Resolution on “Complete and unconditional withdrawal of foreign military forces from the territory of the Republic of Moldova”, which has been drafted by Moldova, with co-authors from 11 other states.