Mixed Peacekeeping Forces have no practical importance for Moldova, Ion Leahu

The Mixed Peacekeeping Forces (FMMP) that were introduced into the Security Zone 20 years ago have no more practical importance for Moldova, stated Ion Leahu, member of the Moldovan delegation to the Joint Control Committee (CUC), quoted by Info-Prim Neo. According to Leahu, as early as 20 years ago, the FMMP were declared inefficient for the security of the citizens living in the Security Zone. At the same time, they cannot be pulled out, because the procedure must be consensually accepted by all CUC members. Ion Leahu says that the FMMP initially had the mission to accomplish certain objectives, most of which were covered early into the start of FMMP’s activity. Authorities in Chisinau want to discard these military forces and hire international observers for monitoring the decisions adopted by the CUC. July 26 marked 20 years since the dispatch of the FMMP to the Security Zone. On this occasion, the Ministry of Defense organized an official ceremony. Minister Vitalie Marinuta stated that as long as the servicemen have a mission, they must accomplish it with integrity, honor, and dignity. Attending the event, Moldovan co-chairman of the Joint Control Committee Ion Solonenco stated that maintaining peace in the Transnistrian region is the most important mission of the State, aimed at ensuring peace and security for the population. “The Moldovan peacekeepers, as a component of the Mixed Peacekeeping Forces, conscientiously execute their missions in the Security Zone, and are a trustworthy factor in maintaining stability in the region”, stated Ion Solonenco. The Security Zone is 225km long, 12 – 20km wide, and has 15 posts that host a total of about 1,500 troops.