As of March 25, soldiers of the National Army will be present at the entrances to parks, forests, filling stations, stores and places where more than three people can gather together, both in the capital city and in districts, IPN quoted Minister of Defense Alexandru Pânzari as saying in the talk show “Fourth Power” on N4 TV channel.
“The army comes to lend a hand to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The soldiers’ mission is to limit the access, mark the areas under quarantine, transport people from affected areas and provide assistance,” stated Alexandru Pânzari.
The minister noted that the presence of the National Army on the streets is necessary for supporting the police and the citizens, even if the image of soldiers makes the situation look much more serious.
“We will do our best to contain this disease. It’s clear that if the army is out on the streets, the situation is not at all simple and the citizens should respect authorities’ recommendations. We will support the police as they are those who manage the situation at present,” said Alexandru Pânzari.
As to the presence of military vehicles with machine guns on them on March 24, the minister stated that these were removed and will no longer be seen on the streets.
“We agreed a common plan with the police and took the first step on March 24. The small military vehicles made in the U.S. are the most suitable ones. According to protocols, they are equipped with machine guns on the first call for mobilization. That’s why the people saw them on the streets.”
The minister also said that the army’s mission does not match the activities in which the service members are involved now. But the military will be on duty so as to help minimize the risks generated by the pandemic.
