USA funds 15 million-dollars-worth programme to improve communications of Moldova's security services

The United States is funding a programme worth 15 million dollars to improve the communications of security services of Moldova, particularly for emergency services. Nick Pietrowicz, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau has made statements to this effect at the public television channel Moldova 1.

The official emphasized that, as part of the project, a communications network separate from the existing public one was being built, so that, in case of a natural disaster, earthquake or other calamity, border services, police and firefighters can communicate quickly and safely, in order to protect citizens.

"It's a standard practice in security services with varied responsibilities. For example, after the September 11 attacks in New York, we quickly realized that our law enforcement bodies could not communicate with each other. Thus, over the last 25 years, we have expanded these capabilities in the USA. In Moldova, there is a project we are currently working on. The works will be completed soon and will benefit all citizens," Nick Pietrowicz said.

The official also emphasized that a common priority was cooperation in border security.

"We have experts who provide consultancy to Moldovan border authorities, in order to improve security measures. We have recently announced the construction of a forensic laboratory, with an estimated value of 1.7 million dollars, at the Stefan cel Mare Academy. This laboratory will enhance the ability of the Moldovan police to investigate complex crimes. I must mention that, since independence, we have provided Moldova overall total support of 2.7 billion dollars. We are proud to have contributed to Moldova's progress. Of course, much of this progress is due to the people, not the governments," the official emphasized.

Nick Pietrowicz is the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moldova and currently serves as Chargé d'Affaires. A career diplomat of the U.S. Foreign Service, as a special agent of the Diplomatic Security Service, he has had previous assignments in Port-au-Prince, Kabul, N'Djamena, Luanda, Canberra and Sarajevo. Nick Pietrowicz served as the Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau during 2008-2011.