OSCE Mission to Moldova promotes best practices in peacekeeping

The OSCE Mission to Moldova hosted a seminar in Bender on peacekeeping operations on 15 May 2012. The 55 participants included military observers and representatives from the Russian, Moldovan and Transdniestrian contingents of the joint peacekeeping force, present since 1992 in the Security zone along the banks of the Dnester/Nistru, and members of the Joint Control Commission.

The seminar was opened by Ambassador Jennifer Brush, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, who paid tribute to the vital work of peacekeepers in dealing with conflicts and their aftermaths. She said: “We must all be ready to learn new lessons.  Sharing information and ideas on peacekeeping, considering new approaches, exploring different options – these are of benefit to all the professionals here”. 

Experts who spoke at the seminar included Major General Marat Kulakhmetov, adviser on peacekeeping missions to the Russian Foreign Minister and Colonel Andrii Pavelko, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Peacekeeping Operations of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.  OSCE Mission members Colonel Yonko Totevski and Kenneth Pickles shared their experiences from United Nations peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, Cambodia, Ethiopia and Georgia.