Customs Service accused of obstructing delivery of humanitarian aid to Moldova

The head of the German organization United Medical Forces “Pro Humanitate”, claims that the Customs Service is obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country. According to Dirk Hartig, the customs officers demand additional papers for the humanitarian aid, even though they are not necessary. Hartig doesn’t rule out that this is a way to solicit a bribe, Info-Prim Neo reports. Dick Hartig told a news conference on Thursday that his philanthropic organization has been providing humanitarian aid like medicines, medical equipment, hygiene products and other things to Moldova since 1989. In June, a truck with building materials was supposed to arrive to help the repair of the kindergarten in Parjoleni village, Calarasi district. Besides materials, the philanthropic society also sent liquid detergent for the vulnerable families in that village. At the customs checkpoint, the officers demanded a license for the detergent, which had not happened before. Dick Hartig complained to the authorities and even to Deputy Speaker Liliana Palihovici. According to him, the latter forwarded the issue to the Ministry of Finance, which confirmed that no license was needed for the introduction of humanitarian aid. A few weeks ago, two trucks of liquid detergent for vulnerable families were supposed to come from Germany, but were required a license for the detergent. The answer of the Ministry of Finance offered for the previous request didn’t satisfy the customs officers, so that the detergent-laden trucks weren’t allowed to enter the country and were sent back. Dick Hartig said that the Customs Service’s refusal to comply with the Ministry of Finance's order looked like anarchy and raised some doubts. Dick Hartig added that such actions sullied Moldova’s image abroad and may determine the philanthropic organization to stop the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Customs Service was not readily available for comments.