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NEW DELHI: Officials representing pro-Russian separatists in Moldova‘s breakaway region of Transnistria have requested “protection” from Moscow, as per a resolution adopted during a special congress on Wednesday.
According to local and Russian news agencies, officials intend to seek assistance from Russia’s Federation Council and State Duma to safeguard Transnistria amid mounting pressure from Moldova, as stated in the resolution.
Officials from Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria on Wednesday aligned with pro-Russian rebels, convened for an uncommon meeting amidst concerns that the territory could become a fresh focal point in Moscow’s tensions with neighboring Ukraine.
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the narrow strip of land has been under the de facto control of pro-Russian forces, although it is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.
Transnistria, holding only its seventh special congress in history, remained vague about its agenda, stating only that officials would discuss an escalating dispute with the Moldovan government regarding customs duties.
“The decisions of the current congress cannot be ignored by the international community,” the breakaway republic’s foreign policy chief Vitaly Ignatiev told the meeting, without revealing what decisions would be taken.
The separatist territory’s previous congress occurred in 2006, during which deputies proposed a referendum on joining Russia, resulting in strong approval.
Moldova’s pro-EU government and Western nations express concern that separatist lawmakers may seek to replicate this move amid Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Local politician Gennady Chorba suggested the possibility of requesting to join Russia, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming annual address to Russian lawmakers. The Moldovan government remains skeptical.
“From Chisinau, things look calm,” a Moldovan government spokesman said. “There is no danger of escalation and destabilisation of the situation in the Transnistrian region.”
(with inputs from agencies)
According to local and Russian news agencies, officials intend to seek assistance from Russia’s Federation Council and State Duma to safeguard Transnistria amid mounting pressure from Moldova, as stated in the resolution.
Officials from Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria on Wednesday aligned with pro-Russian rebels, convened for an uncommon meeting amidst concerns that the territory could become a fresh focal point in Moscow’s tensions with neighboring Ukraine.
Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the narrow strip of land has been under the de facto control of pro-Russian forces, although it is internationally recognized as part of Moldova.
Transnistria, holding only its seventh special congress in history, remained vague about its agenda, stating only that officials would discuss an escalating dispute with the Moldovan government regarding customs duties.
“The decisions of the current congress cannot be ignored by the international community,” the breakaway republic’s foreign policy chief Vitaly Ignatiev told the meeting, without revealing what decisions would be taken.
The separatist territory’s previous congress occurred in 2006, during which deputies proposed a referendum on joining Russia, resulting in strong approval.
Moldova’s pro-EU government and Western nations express concern that separatist lawmakers may seek to replicate this move amid Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Local politician Gennady Chorba suggested the possibility of requesting to join Russia, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming annual address to Russian lawmakers. The Moldovan government remains skeptical.
“From Chisinau, things look calm,” a Moldovan government spokesman said. “There is no danger of escalation and destabilisation of the situation in the Transnistrian region.”
(with inputs from agencies)
#ProRussian #Separatists #Moldovas #Transnistria #Seek #Moscows #Protection #World #News
