OSCE assists in training Moldovan ammunition specialists

CHISINAU, 30 April 2015 – Specialists from the Moldovan Armed Forces, Interior Ministry and Justice Ministry  have completed today a two-week OSCE-supported training course on physical security and stockpile management of small arms, light weapons and conventional ammunition, at the Armed Forces Military Academy “Alexandru cel Bun” in Chisinau.

“This training contributed to risk mitigation in ammunition depots, which is a major concern for the OSCE as the safety of people living nearby is at stake. A better understanding of the risks and a better management of munitions helps the reduction of such risks,” stated Acting Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Steve Young. “I am confident that at the end of our project in November 2016 the Moldovan Armed Forces will have a sustainable training program for their specialists that fully comply with the international norms in this field.”

The participants learned how to safely and securely handle and store small arms and light weapons in accordance with OSCE and international best practices.

The training was provided by four Moldovan trainers, under the supervision of Austrian, Swedish and Canadian specialists, as an in-kind contribution from these countries to the project.

This training will be followed by a second phase in June 2015 and is part of a three-year project, started in 2014, which will give the Moldovan national army the full capability to train ammunition specialists according to best international practices.