ODESA, FEBRUARY 24th, 2012, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE — EUBAM Head Udo Burkholder says we can only tackle cross-border crime in a spirit of partnership, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

Mr Burkholder stated today, 24 February, during the fifth Tri-Lateral meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to Moldova and Ukraine and the security services of both countries, in Odesa.

Mr Burkholder emphasized the importance of partnership in tackling cross-border crime. “We can only tackle cross-border crime in a spirit of partnership, which is one of EUBAM’s core values,” he said. “Our positive working relationship with the security services of Moldova and Ukraine, just like our relationship with the customs and border services and other State agencies in both countries, is key to the fight against crime and promotion of regional security.”

Apart from the participation of both services in EUBAM training initiatives, the parties highlighted the efforts of the two ‘working groups’, one to address illegal migration and THB, and the second to address illicit smuggling activities. These working groups, coordinated by EUBAM, provide the security services a mechanism through which they exchange information.

Both the SSU and MDISS also played key roles in Task Force Arms, launched by EUBAM in March 2011 to strengthen efforts at counteracting the proliferation of weapons, radiological and nuclear material. EUBAM then responded to an SSU request to create a mechanism for identification of drug consignments at Odesa and Illichivsk sea ports by setting up Task Force Drugs in September 2011.

INFORMATION: The EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) was launched on 30 November 2005 at the joint request of the Presidents of the Republic Moldova and Ukraine. EUBAM is an EU mission fully funded by the European Union. It is an advisory, technical body. It has no executive powers. The Mission aims to make a sustainable contribution to the delivery of good quality border and customs services to the citizens and companies of Moldova and Ukraine to facilitate contacts and trade.