OSCE Moldova Mission and Defence Ministry to destroy surplus weapons

CHISINAU, 22 March 2007 - More than 11,000 artillery shells, 377 anti-tank guided missiles and almost half a million rounds of ammunition will be destroyed thanks to a project agreed on today by the Moldovan Defence Ministry and the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

"This unilateral destruction of surplus and outdated ammunition from the Moldovan army's inventory represents a major contribution to regional stability," said Ambassador Louis O'Neill, Head of the OSCE Mission.

"I commend the Moldovan authorities for this confidence-building measure, which is within the spirit of the arms control and confidence- and security- building measures developed in 2005 by the OSCE Mission in partnership with the Russian Federation and Ukraine."

This project and the earlier destruction of Moldova's entire arsenal of rockets for the 220mm "Uragan" multi-launch rocket system and other weaponry were a clear signal that the Moldovan government was ready to carry out serious reductions in its military capability and increase regional security, O'Neill noted.

"I call on the leadership of the Transdniestrian region to respond in kind and to engage in constructive discussions on confidence- and security building measures with a view to reducing its own military stockpiles," O'Neill added.

The project was announced today by Moldovan Defence Minister Valeriu Plesca during a visit by O'Neill and Ambassador Antii Turunen, Head of the Finnish Delegation to the OSCE.

The Finnish Government has provided 160,000 euros for the project, which will be implemented with the assistance of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation.