Moldova to take unprecedented security measures on ground and in air during European Political Community summit on June 1

CHISINAU. May 31 (Interfax) - Moldova will take unprecedented security precautions, both on the ground and in the air, on June 1, when it will be hosting a European Political Community summit, the Moldovan General Police Inspectorate said on Thursday.

"We intend to restrict the city's everyday life only for short periods of time. Restrictions for providing security will be applied depending on the situation on city streets. In addition, parking within the security perimeter will be prohibited, and part of the highway from Chisinau to the airport will be temporarily closed. Citizens will be informed about alternative traffic routes and parking opportunities," it said.

Police also called on drivers "to treat possible difficulties with understanding, keep calm, and remember about being polite while driving," it said.

"We recommend planning your routes on May 31 and on June 1 and 2 in advance, especially for those who would need to get to Chisinau Airport. Citizens are advised to have identity documents in case they are stopped by law enforcement officials," it said.

All flights at Chisinau International Airport are cancelled on June 1, and airspace will be closed to regular aircraft on that day.

"To ensure aviation safety, the flights of all civil aircraft shall be prohibited in the entire airspace above the Republic of Moldova starting from 0:00 a.m. local time June 1 to 7:00 a.m. local time June 2, except for service aircraft. As concerns civil unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), a flight ban shall be in effect starting 0:00 a.m. local time May 31 until 7:00 a.m. local time June 2," it said.

The Moldovan State Protection and Guard Service will be in charge of the high-ranking guests' security, and the Security and Intelligence Service will take measures to identify, prevent, and curb activities posing a threat to the state, the public, and the citizens.

The European Political Community summit will be held in Chisinau on June 1. It is to be attended by 47 presidents and heads of government, as well as the European Union's top officials. The leaders are to discuss joint peace efforts in the context of the Ukraine crisis, the protection of democracy, the strengthening of energy security, and sustainability of the European countries. The summit's main events are to take place not in Chisinau but at the Castel Mimi winery estate 35 kilometers away from the city.

In view of holding the summit, the Moldovan government declared June 1 and 2 non-working days.