You must contribute if you want to benefit. Info-Prim Neo interview with Alexandru Gorgan, Deputy Minister of Defense in 1991-1995

03.09.2010 14:04
767
3 minute(s)

[- What is the National Army proud of today and what are the shortcomings that have not been removed during 19 years?] - Every state needs an army that will defend it. On September 3, 1991, the then President Mircea Snegur issued a decree to found the National Army of Moldova. Today it is also necessary. The national army can be proud first of all of its personnel, the well-trained officers who studied in the country and abroad, of its capacity to provide assistance to the population when necessary. During this summer’s floods, the army, alongside the police, contributed to the flood relief efforts. As to the shortcomings, the army should be better supplied with armament and munitions. The lack of dwellings for officers is also a problem. Earlier, the officers of the National Army were supplied with dwellings by law. The officers devote their life to serving the country and the country should take care of them, even if there is no money. When taking part in different international missions, these people risk their lives. The technical-material resources of the National Army are old and inadequate. In order to maintain the army’s professional capacity, they should be improved. [- Some say Moldova does not need an army, especially because the present personnel cannot cope with foreign security challenges.] - Moldova needs an army not only because it is a school for the young people, who are the future defenders of the country. Even if Moldova has a small army, it takes part in different international missions and pledges to keep peace, while the international organizations and partner countries pledge to support our country. Evidently, an army with personnel of up to 10,000 people that does not possess modern weapons cannot cope with a serious danger by itself. But nobody will come from other country to defend Moldova if it will not have an army. You must contribute if you want to benefit. [- What other reforms would you start if you formed part of the Ministry of the Interior’s administration now?] - The reforms should not be implemented for the sake of reform, but in order to carry out the tasks entrusted to the army. I mean the capacity of the personnel, military training, possession of armament and equipment. Regretfully, the former Communist administration dismissed many senior officers. Some of them left because they saw no prospects. Many of them studied abroad, but are now civilians. What have these persons been trained for? Many would like to return, but cannot. I would make everything possible to make the army a viable and well-prepared body with a high moral and patriotic spirit. [Constantin Uzdris, Info-Prim Neo]