The Launch of the Enhancing Border Control Management Programme for Moldova, Financed By

For immediate release

New Project to Improve Border ControlManagement in Moldova

Chisinau, February 22, 2005-The European Union and the United Nations Development Programme inMoldova launched theEnhancing Border Control Management Programme. The key objective of the projectis a substantial reduction of illegal migration and drug trafficking from and through Moldova towards the EU Member States as well as an increased awareness about the EU standards by governmental institutions involved in border control services.

Five joint control border crossing points – Criva-Mamaliga, Medveja-Zelionaia, Larga-Kelmenti, Briceni-Rososeni and Giurgiulesti-Reni - will be provided with specialized equipment, better infrastructure and training in the framework of the implementation of the joint control operations by the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities. The technical capacity of border crossing points and units covering border areas along the entire state border will be strengthened as well.

According to Bernhard Bogensperger, Project Manager in the Delegation of the European Commission to Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, through this project, the European Union and UNDP will contribute to developing of an efficient border management system in Moldova. By attaining EU border control standards, it is hoped Moldova will meet the EU policy requirements in fighting against terrorism, organized crime and illegal migration.

“The European Commission and UNDP have a long history of close cooperation in the field of development assistance,”said Bruno Pouëzat, UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “In particular, UNDP Moldova will promote research and studies to support the national dialogue on security issues and on the requirements to be met by the country as a EU new neighbour.”

The main counterpart of the project is the Border Guards Department. The project with closely cooperate with the European Commission, the World Bank, the International Organization for Migration, the US Government, the Customs Department, the Migration Department, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among many others.

The project,with a total budget of Euro 1,942,500, is funded by the European Union and co-financed and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova.

For more information, please contact:

Iurie Reniţă, Project Manager

Tel: (373 22) 211-014

E-mail:

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