Separate from its larger neighbor Moldova in language, culture, alphabet and history, [0] Pridnestrovie is today a proud and independent nation located on the banks of the Dniester River. Traditionally a multi-ethnic nation, it's independence is today an affirmation of minority rights. [0] The capital, Tiraspol, can trace its roots back thousands of years; always separate and independent from Moldova.

The only link to Moldova owes its existence to political machinations of the communist era when the Soviet leadership created a small Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic [0] in Pridnestrovie, on the east bank of the river. Even though it didn't include an inch of Moldavian land, it was called "Moldavian" in order to serve as a beach head for Soviet expansion.

As a result of Hitler's and Stalin's World War II plans for splitting up Europe between them, a secret protocol was added to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. In 1940, Stalin invaded Moldova and forcibly annexed to Pridnestrovie. Fifty years later, the two countries found freedom and became independent of each other again ... and as the historical record shows, both countries withdrew [0] from this forced and unnatural union.

Pridnestrovie is content with its independence from Moldova, in line with historical norms. Moldova, however, quickly reversed its earlier opinion and now pursues a claim on Pridnestrovie despite a clear lack of any historical precedent. Who is right? A detailed legal analysis of Pridnestrovie's historical claim to sovereignty under international law [1] leaves no doubt.

Pridnestrovie literally means "On the Dniester". [1] It takes its name from its location: On the left bank (east) of the Dniester River, and spanning the city of Bender on the right bank (west). Bender, traditionally a fortress defending Tiraspol and for centuries a part of the territory, is connected to the rest of the country by bridges. [ More ] [1]

HISTORY BACKGROUNDERS: Human rights groups say Moldova massacred innocent villagers [1] Background facts: Mistreatment of ethnic minorities in Moldova, 1988-92 [1] UN and OSCE: Pridnestrovie is "different" and "distinct" [1] Pridnestrovie: Founded on minority rights [1] Background analysis: PMR's sovereignty in international law [1] Moldova: "null and void" merging with Pridnestrovie [1] Dates and facts: Chronological history of Pridnestrovie [1] Historical maps of Pridnestrovie [1]

KEY DATES IN PRIDNESTROVIE'S HISTORY 600 B.C.: Foundation of Tyras, the forerunner to today's Tiraspol, capital of Pridnestrovie. 850: Slavic tribes occupy Pridnestrovie, separated by the Dniester river from Moldova. 1450: Pridnestrovie is part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Moldova is not a part of this union. 1792: The Russian Empire now extends to Pridnestrovie, with the Dniester River and the fort at Bender forming its south-west border. Moldova (part of the Ottoman Empire) is separate on the other side. 1924: Moldavian ASSR is founded, covering roughly the area of Pridnestrovie. Moldova is not included. 1940: Stalin invades Moldova and annexes it to the area of the MASSR. Later, upon independendece, Moldova declares this act of war illegal. 1990: In the breakup of the Soviet Union, Pridnestrovie declares independence. 1991: An independence leader is kidnapped by Moldova's Secret Police and becomes a political prisoner. Women organize a nonviolent sit-down strike to get him freed. After his release, voters elect him president of Pridnestrovie. 1992: Moldovan forces invade Pridnestrovie. Airborne bombings inflict heavy casualties on civilians. After nearly 1,000 die, Russian peacekeepers intervene to negotiate a ceasefire. 1996: Current constitution takes effect, based on a market economy, multi-party democracy, adherence to the UN charter and respect for human rights. 2005: Democratic opposition party Renewal wins a parliamentary majority in elections deemed fair and free by all 153 registered international observers. (Taken from: "Dates and facts: Chronological history of Pridnestrovie" [1])