OSCE Mission inspects Russian munitions train before its departure from Transdniestria
(OSCE)OSCE personnel inspect a train of munitions before its departure
from Transdniestria, 4 October 2002. (OSCE) Photo details
CHISINAU, 4 October, 2002 - The OSCE Mission to Moldova was notified on 2 October by Colonel V. Brenyev, the deputy commander of the Operational Group of Russian Forces (OGRF) in the Transdniestrian region of Moldova, that a fourth train of Russian-owned ammunition was due to depart for Russia.
The notification included a request for OSCE verification personnel to be present at the Kolbasna military site on 3 and 4 October to conduct an inspection activity, as envisaged under existing co-operative arrangements between the OSCE Voluntary Fund for Ammunition Withdrawal and Disposal and the Russian Federation.
Seven OSCE personnel travelled to the railhead of the Kolbasna site on 3 October. They were shown a fully-loaded train with 26 wagons, of which 19 were covered freight wagons and four were open wagons with pallets of Uragan rockets. Of the remaining three wagons, two were empty and one was for a guard escort.
The team completed its inspection work late Thursday afternoon, 3 October, and was informed that the train was scheduled for departure at 12:00 midday on 4 October.
The Head of Mission, David H. Swartz, who participated in the inspection, said in an interview with Transdniestrian media representatives: "Today's event marks an important phase in Russia's efforts to complete its withdrawal of the OGRF from the Transdniestrian region of Moldova, in compliance with its commitments made at the Istanbul Summit of 1999. The OSCE Voluntary Fund is pleased to be of assistance to the Russian Federation in this effort.
A report on the verification team's findings will be shared with the OSCE and Russian military authorities.
The notification included a request for OSCE verification personnel to be present at the Kolbasna military site on 3 and 4 October to conduct an inspection activity, as envisaged under existing co-operative arrangements between the OSCE Voluntary Fund for Ammunition Withdrawal and Disposal and the Russian Federation.
Seven OSCE personnel travelled to the railhead of the Kolbasna site on 3 October. They were shown a fully-loaded train with 26 wagons, of which 19 were covered freight wagons and four were open wagons with pallets of Uragan rockets. Of the remaining three wagons, two were empty and one was for a guard escort.
The team completed its inspection work late Thursday afternoon, 3 October, and was informed that the train was scheduled for departure at 12:00 midday on 4 October.
The Head of Mission, David H. Swartz, who participated in the inspection, said in an interview with Transdniestrian media representatives: "Today's event marks an important phase in Russia's efforts to complete its withdrawal of the OGRF from the Transdniestrian region of Moldova, in compliance with its commitments made at the Istanbul Summit of 1999. The OSCE Voluntary Fund is pleased to be of assistance to the Russian Federation in this effort.
A report on the verification team's findings will be shared with the OSCE and Russian military authorities.