Moldavian FM: There is politics behind Transdnestr conflict

Read it in Russian

Transdnestr conflict is a “derivative of geopolitical interests that emerged due to efforts of external forces after the collapse of the Soviet Union,” REGNUM correspondent quotes head of Moldavian foreign ministry Andrei Stratan. According to information of the ministry of foreign affairs and European integration of Moldavia, the words were part of a speech delivered at the UN General Assembly 61st session Sep 26.

“Unlike other internal conflicts arisen due to ethnic or religious collisions, the Transdnestr conflict remains a purely political one,” Stratan declared.

In his speech, the top Moldavian diplomat also informed the audience on the latest developments in the process of Transdnestr conflict resolution and “effort taken by Chisinau to achieve territorial re-integration.”

Stratan reiterated condemnation of the “Pseudo-referendum in Transdnestr” held Sep 17 2006, thanking distinct mediators and observers in the Transdnestr conflict settlement (EU, USA, OSCE, and Ukraine) for their “pronounced position on refusing to recognize the farce.”

Referendum was held in Transdnestr September 17, to which two questions were put: “Do you support the course for independence of the Transdnestr Moldavian Republic and Transdnestr’s further free entering the Russian Federation?” and “Do you consider possible giving up independence of the Transdnestr Moldavian Republic and Transdnestr’s further free entering the Republic of Moldova?”

97,1% of Transdnestr voters approved support of the course for independence of the Transdnestr Moldavian Republic and Transdnestr’s further free entering the Russian Federation; 2,3% disapproved of it. 3,4% of the voters approved the possibility of giving up Transdnestr’s independence and Transdnestr’s further free entering the Republic of Moldova; whereas 94,6% disapproved of the possibility. 2% of the voters were undecided on the issue. Overall voter turnout at the referendum on the status of Transdnestr was 78,6% of Transdnestr citizens.