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Moldova sends peacekeepers to Kosovo

A special mission platoon in the Moldovan Armed Forces certified in accordance with NATO standards to participate in peacekeeping operations

CHISINAU, June 10 (Itar-Tass) - A Moldovan military contingent will take part in a peacekeeping operation under the UN aegis in Kosovo, Moldovan Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta told reporters on Monday.

“All necessary documents will be soon signed by international partners, and Moldovan military will shortly take part in a peacekeeping operation in Kosovo,” the minister said.

He said there is a special mission platoon in the Moldovan Armed Forces, certified in accordance with NATO standards. The service of these elite military presupposes systematic trainings and the best option would be to participate in peacekeeping operations. Besides, the participation of Moldovan military in a peacekeeping operation will add to the country’s prestige, the minister said.

Under the constitution, Moldova is a neutral state and does not take part in military blocs. Over the recent years, Moldovan military have taken part in peacekeeping operations in some African countries and in operations under the UN mandate.

Over 100 of field engineers and medics participated in six missions to Iraq, and four helicopters with Moldovan crews perform currently their duty to secure the American contingent in Afghanistan.

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