Vladimir Voronin considers that a modified peacekeeping mission in Security Zone could contribute to Moldova’s reunification

President Vladimir Voronin pleads for the modification of the current peacekeeping mission in the Security Zone by involving civil observers in the peacekeeping operations in the region. He considers that this would constitute an important step towards the reunification of the Republic of Moldova. The head of state made such statements while on a visit to the Independent Infantry Battalion No.3 of the Peacekeeping Forces of Moldova dispatched near Cosnita village in Dubasari district, the presidential press service informs, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Vladimir Voronin said that the peacekeeping forces in the present format have fulfilled their tasks and a new peacekeeping mechanism is now required. Battalion commander Sergiu Cuznetov said that the troops of the three units of the Moldovan peacekeeping forces deployed in Varnita, Cocieri and Cosnita villages take all the measures to maintain the peace and stability in the Security Zone. He stated that there are cases when the situation in the region gets tense as a result of the actions taken by the administration in Tiraspol. He gave as example the appropriation of two Moldovan companies, in Varnita village and in Bender town, by the Transnistrian militia. This is the second visit of Vladimir Voronin to the Battalion in the last half a year. The peacekeeping forces deployed in the Security Zone under a Moldovan-Russian ceasefire agreement of 1992 include military units of Moldova, Russia and the Transnistrian region. Their activity is regulated by the Joint Control Commission composed of representatives of Moldova, Russia and Transnistria and of Ukrainian and OSCE observers that make decisions by consensus.