OSCE and Moldovan Government sign memorandum of understanding on social reintegration of former army officers

CHISINAU, 24 June 2010 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Philip Remler, and the Moldovan Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Family, Valentina Buliga, signed today a memorandum of understanding between the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the Moldovan Government on a project to help former officers and warrant officers obtain gainful civilian employment.

"Helping former officers and warrant officers to find worthwhile civilian employment promotes security sector reform," Ambassador Remler said.

"The project is open to ex-military personnel from the Transdniestrian region and can make a positive contribution to confidence and security building measures."

The project will start in September. It was developed in close co-operation between the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the Ministry of Defence and is funded by extra budgetary contributions from the United States and Sweden. It is expected to last for four years and benefit up to 300 former members of the National Army, Border Guard Service and Carabineri each year.

When leaving the service, ex-officers and warrant officers will be eligible to attend a three-month training course run by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Centre for Economic Development and Public Affairs of the Academy of Economic Studies.

Students will be able to choose from courses in information technology, management of small and medium enterprises, real estate valuation and foreign languages. They will receive advice on job applications, writing CVs and interview techniques. Job fairs will also be organized.