Transdniestria is a self-proclaimed republic on Moldovan territory. The Moldovan-Transdniestrian conflict broke out in 1992 when the Transdniestrian Republic proclaimed independence and the Moldovan police and army launched military operations against Transdniestria which left many civilians killed. The Moldovan-Russian agreement on peaceful settlement was signed on July 21, 1992.
"The Moldovan leadership not only frustrates the negotiations but also does not understand that it is leading Moldovan people to a dead-end and that it will be difficult to find a way-out," Mr. Smirnov said.
On Friday the Russian State Duma issued a statement "On the recommended retaliatory measures against the Republic of Moldova in connection with the Moldovan authorities' policy on the aggravation of the situation around Transdniestria". The lower house of the Russian parliament proposes to supply energy carriers to Moldova at the world prices if the blockade of Transdniestria continues.
"The State Duma deputies are concerned about the aggravation of the situation around Transdniestria caused by the actions of the Moldovan leadership," the statement reads.
These actions aimed at Transdniestria's blockade aggravate the prospects of the solution of the complicated Transdniestrian problem on the international legal basis and cause "serious damage to our compatriots, in particular, Russian citizens".
The State Duma also recommends to stop importing alcoholic and tobacco products from Moldova (except Transdniestrian products) and to introduce visa regulations for Moldovan citizens (except Transdniestrian citizens).
