The Government approved a bill providing for the institution of a new state award called the Cross of International Missions. It will be conferred on persons who took part in international security and peacekeeping operations, IPN reports.
The Cross of International Missions is a silver cross that includes a medallion that is 14 mm in diameter and the image of the coat of arms of Moldova that is covered in gold. It is 90 mm high.
The award will be given to about 11,000 Moldovans, 9,000 of whom took part in the Afghan war (1979-1989).
Minister of Defense Valeriu Troenko said a sum of 2.4 million lei is needed to make the award for the about 11,000 people, the permit and the upholstered box for the distinction.
The procedure for handing over the award and the method of wearing it will be stipulated in regulations that are yet to be approved by the Government.