The General Police Inspectorate received a donation of 32 vehicles from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau. These will replace a part of the Inspectorate’s vehicles that are in a bad state, IPN reports.
Minister of Home Affairs Ana Revenco said that since the war in Ukraine started, the number of vehicles that cross Moldova and of vehicles that remain in the country for a longer period of time has increased. This exerts greater pressure on public roads and increases the risk of accidents. The donated vehicles are welcome as they will help the police be more mobile and receptive to citizens’ demands. “We should be an example of good work done together with the development partners. Only together we can ensure that safety index that makes us move on. The observance of the safety rules primarily saves lives. Therefore, I ask the police to continue being vigilant,” stated Ana Revenco.
U.S. Ambassador in Chisinau Kent D. Logsdon said the U.S. commits itself to cooperate with the citizens and the Government of the Republic of Moldova so as to further help the Ukrainian refugees who remain to live in Moldova or cross the country. “These vehicles represent the fulfillment of this commitment. The batch of vehicles is only an example of our support for the Ministry of Home Affairs, deigned to help the Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the war. The foreign assistance is vital, but the actions of the Government of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens made the difference. I’m confident that the Republic of Moldova, together with the development partners, will continue supporting the vulnerable categories, especially the woman and children,” said the diplomat.
The head of the General Police Inspectorate Viorel Cernăuțeanu in the handover event said the security risks that appeared in 2022 revealed the problems faced by the national police and their necessities. “Together with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the police have been on duty to deal with the challenges. We know the problems and risks faced by the refugees in Moldova. These units of transport will be used for field work. I’m not ashamed to say that many of our vehicles are old and these new units of transport are important for us,” stated Viorel Cernăuțeanu.
He assured that the police will act in accordance with the expectations of society so as to ensure the safety of the Moldovan citizens and of any person who comes to the Republic of Moldova.