OSCE helps Chişinău and Tiraspol remove and store radioactive waste

The OSCE Mission supported the removal of radioactive industrial waste from an enterprise based in Rybnitsa on the left bank of Dniestr/Nistru to a safe storage facility outside Chişinău on 15 March 2012.

The OSCE Mission to Moldova has facilitated the agreement between Chişinău and Tiraspol to ensure the removal and adequate physical protection of  hazardous materials.

“Not only does this project reduce the risk of radioactive sources leaking out and causing harm to human health and the environment, but it is also an example of good co-operation between authorities and organizations on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru”, said Jan Plešinger, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The sources of ionizing radiation from Rybnitsa were safely transported, under the close supervision of OSCE Mission members and authorities from both banks, and will be reprocessed in accordance with international regulations.

“This project can pave the way for continued co-operation on this issue,” said Plešinger. “Now that we have established methods to work together, we can ensure that other remaining potentially harmful materials are handled in a secure, safe and efficient way."

This project is a part of the efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova to build confidence between people and communities on both banks of the Dniestr/Nistru river.