European Union foreign and security policy chief, Javier Solana, and European commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, launched an E.U. security mission in Ukraine Wednesday to secure the country's joint border with Moldova, Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa) reported. Through educating and advising local customs officials the mission aims to control smuggling across the border and improve security in the region, Interfax news agency reported. Particular attention will be paid to the section of border along the breakaway republic of Trans-Dniestr, which is renowned as a smuggling hotspot. Trans-Dniestrian authorities are accused of financing their administration from the proceeds of people trafficking, weapons- running and drug smuggling, and through illegal trade via the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odessa. In July this year Ukraine and Moldova agreed to jointly control the Trans-Dniestrian border in an effort to clampdown on the illegal activities. The two-year E.U. mission will cost around 8 million euros and involve 69 experts from 16 E.U. countries. --SP 2151 Local Time 1851 GMT
