News from Pridnestrovie

This week a conference will look at democracy and good governance issues facing 'de facto' independent states. The event is held at the European Parliament in Brussels with the support of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. High-level representatives from Transdniestria, Abkhazia, Somaliland, Northern Cyprus and Taiwan are expected to attend. read more

Baptists in Tiraspol won a victory in their fight for greater religious freedom and freedom from government registration. After receiving numerous appeals on behalf of Baptists, Transdniestria's Presidential administration backed down and agreed to let the congregations meet without registration. On principle and religious grounds, Baptists believe that no registration is needed. read more

The 'de facto' independence of the Republic of Abkhazia will be recognized sooner or later. That is the view of its president, Sergei Bagapsh. In a just-published interview he says "we want a lawful state, independent and democratic." read more

Huge crowds stood in line in Tiraspol for the public opening of the city's new Zoo. The permanent facility is the latest attempt at turning Pridnestrovie's capital into a tourist attraction. Entrance is currently free for all ages. read more

Teen pregnancies which end in abortions have so far doubled in Pridnestrovie. In the first four months of 2008, five hundred girls between 15 and 19 had an unwanted pregnancy removed. On Monday a new civic project was launched to hold back the increase in abortions. read more

Stepping up the information war, Moldova has installed new equipment which interferes with Pridnestrovie-based broadcasts. Pridnestrovie's government protested the move in letters to Moldova, the OSCE and the two countries which will oversee and guarantee Pridnestrovie's legal status. No jamming takes place in Pridnestrovie against Moldovan radio or TV signals. read more

The government of Pridnestrovie has proposed a solution on Permanent Status Negotiations that will be based on consensus with Moldova. Its government sees little or no point in signing an unequal treaty which mostly favors just one of the sides, its Foreign Ministry said. The dispute over Pridnestrovie's territory has lasted almost 18 years. read more

A new report shows that Moldovan government officials are behind a booming trade in counterfeit cigarettes. The illegal tobacco smuggling targets the European Union via Moldova's shared border with Romania. Transdniestria is not named in the report and there have been no cases of any counterfeit cigarette smuggling on Transdniestria's borders. read more

On Tuesday British Ambassador John Beyer came to Tiraspol for an official visit to Transdniestria's Parliament. In return, head of Parliament Yevgeny Shevchuk, 39, will be in London next week. He will address a conference on Transdniestria which takes place in the British capital on May 7. read more

Moldova's 1992 war against Transnistria (Pridnestrovie) was provoked by Romania. This was publicly announced on national TV by Vladimir Voronin, Moldova's President. Romania also supplied troops, financing and weapons to carry out the war. read more

Moldova's President Vladimir Voronin blames Romania for lack of progress in "solving" Moldova's territorial claim to Transdniestria. "Every time relations improve between Transdniestria and Moldova, there are hysterics in Romania," he says. He also says Romania provoked Moldova into launching military attacks against Transdniestria in 1992. read more

New facts reveal that Moldova now holds the leading spot among European countries for illegal organ trafficking. Worldwide, Moldova is one of the top 3 source countries in the gruesome trade. Moldova's illegal organ harvesting rings operate with impunity and de-facto government protection. read more

If Moldova's government has its way, the leader of the country's largest opposition party will be sent to jail for the next nine years. Serafim Urechean is defending himself in a case which legal experts say is politically motivated. In 2006 the Supreme Court already ordered the case to be thrown out, but it has nevertheless been reopened just ahead of next year's elections. read more

With poverty and prices on the rise in Moldova, nearby Transdniester is increasingly convinced that independence is the best way forward. An opinion poll released in Chisinau reveals that 3 out of 4 Moldovans don't have a decent living. The situation is better in Transdniester where a majority of the population prefers not to join the "failed state" of Moldova. read more

With four goals against Tiligul's zero, FC Sheriff Tiraspol now heads to the UEFA Champions League with four games to spare. Despite neither of them wanting to be part of Moldova, the two teams had to battle it out for supremacy in the Moldovan National League. FC Sheriff has held the title uninterrupted for the past eight years. read more

The authorities of Pridnestrovie (Transdniester) has handed over fugitive Mihail Mocanu, 41, to Moldova. The arrest came after the bank robbery suspect had fled to Pridnestrovie thinking it was a safe haven. A top Washington-based expert now says that other nations need to forge effective partnerships with Pridnestrovie to fight trans-border crime. read more

Corruption in Moldova is more widespread than ever, a new poll reveals. The study by Transparency International shows a record rise in government corruption, with visa issuing and law enforcement topping the list. Transdniestria has shown little interest in joining a state which has the distinction of being the most corrupt in Europe. read more

Two influential international think tanks are recommending independence and diplomatic recognition of Somaliland "sooner rather than later". In its latest report, the Senlis Council underlines the need for quick and official recognition of Somaliland. This is echoed by the International Crisis Group, which also supports international recognition of Somaliland's right to statehood. read more

The world's most widely read business magazine says that Moldova's economy is in a deep hole. Corruption, lack of freedom, authoritarian rule and economic mis-management have made Moldova the most remittance dependent country in the world. Meanwhile, 'de facto' independent Transdniestria is doing better economically. read more

Two of the world's leading human rights groups have pinpointed Moldova as a country where torture is commonplace, ongoing and "normal". Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemn Moldova's regime for its excessive and persistent human rights abuses. The former Soviet state has also been found guilty of torture by the European Court of Human Rights. read more