The 18th contingent of the National Army was detached to take part in the KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. This consists of 41 soldiers who will contribute to keeping peace in the region alongside counterparts from 26 cooperating states, IPN reports.
The Moldovan service members will work at the Italian military base. In the official sendoff ceremony, Italy’s Ambassador in Chisinau Lorenzo Tomassoni said that each leaving by the Moldovan forces to peacekeeping points is one of the most important moments at institutional level. A neutral country is not a demilitarized country.
“Moldova’s contribution to keeping peace and international security is of extraordinary importance at global level. A horrible war of aggression is taking place close to Moldova’s border. If the hostilities are resumed in Kosovo or Lebanon or in other regional areas, the risk of domino, of World War III would be imminent,” stated Lorenzo Tomassoni.
U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Kent D. Logsdon said the experience gained by the Moldovan service members in Kosovo will be valuable given that peace and stability in the region is threatened.
“This detachment is the 18th KFOR contingent of the Republic of Moldova in Kosovo, at a moment when the peacekeeping effort in the Balkans is essential. The militaries of the Republic of Moldova are ready to join the over 3,000 militaries of the 26 countries that have soldiers in Kosovo. The contribution to regional security is a noble duty,” stated Kent D. Logsdon.
Minister of Defense Anatolie Nosatyi expressed his confidence that the Moldovan militaries will represent the country with dignity in this mission. “From the received reports, I know that you had very difficult training, but showed professionalism, passed all the tests and can fulfill missions. I’m sure that this contingent, as those that took part in such missions until now, will fulfill this mission successfully. The Republic of Moldova becomes a contributor to international peace and security,” stated the minister.
Andrei Cotilevschi, commander of the National Army’s contingent, said the Moldovan soldiers will be peace ambassadors and the country’s flag will be carried with honor and dignity. “For us, the 41 selected militaries, it is an honor and responsibility to represent the National Army and the Republic of Moldova in the mission in Kosovo, where over 20 nations contribute to keeping peace in the region,” he noted.
The peacekeeping operation in Kosovo followed the NATO peacekeeping operation launched in 1999. The Republic of Moldova deployed the first peacekeeping contingent of the National Army to Kosovo on March 8, 2014. Each contingent serves a six-month term.
