OSCE Mission to Moldova helps remove radioactive sources from Transdniestria

CHISINAU, 5 April 2013 – Today the OSCE Mission to Moldova facilitated and monitored the removal of more than 150 sources of ionizing radiation from the Transdniestrian region.

“I am pleased to see that the radioactive material has been appropriately and safely removed. This is an excellent example of good co-operation between authorities on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru to reduce the potential health risks to the local population,” said Ambassador Jennifer Brush, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The OSCE Mission to Moldova worked with authorities in Chisinau and Tiraspol to get an agreement on the removal and disposal of these hazardous materials. The removal was financed by the Mission and carried out by experts from Chisinau.

The sources of ionizing radiation were located in Tiraspol Library and in an electricity generating station. These were removed and transported to a special storage site and will be disposed of in accordance with international regulations.

This project is a part of the work by the OSCE Mission to Moldova to build confidence between people and communities on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru river. In 2012, the OSCE Mission to Moldova supported the removal of radioactive industrial waste from an alcohol and sugar factory based in Rybnitsa on the left bank of the Dniestr/Nistru to a safe storage facility outside Chisinau.