For a quick primer on Moldova-Pridnestrovie relations, [0] check out this FAQ. [0] In short, Moldova maintains an old, unresolved territorial claim [0] against Pridnestrovie — a claim which, when examined, appears to be of dubious legality. The key to effective conflict resolution [0] starts with letting Moldova understand Pridnestrovie's point of view. Both Pridnestrovie and the Council of Europe support a democratic solution [0].

Historically, Pridnestrovie wasn't part of Moldova. [1] And even from a legal standpoint [1] it would appear that Moldova's claim lacks merit. The current Republic of Moldova exists based on a unilateral declaration [1] which proclaimed Stalin's forced WWII-merger of Moldova and Pridnestrovie to be "null and void". [1] [ More ] [1]

Pridnestrovie and Moldova are as different [1] as night and day: In culture, historical background, governance, languages, the two countries have almost nothing in common. [1] Both the UN [1] and the OSCE [1] recognize this, calling Pridnestrovie "different" and "distinct" [1], and highlighting Pridnestrovie's "very different historical past" [1]. Even ethnic Moldavians living in Pridnestrovie today have no desire to join Moldova. [1]

Part of the reason is Moldova's human rights record. [1] The poorest country in Europe is also the world's top exporter of forced child prostitution. Censorship is rampant, [1] torture is widespread and it has "failed to build" democracy. [1] 90% of its young want to leave. Pridnestrovie does not want to join. Pridnestrovian newspapers are banned [1] in Moldova even though the Moldovan press is freely available in Pridnestrovie. [ More ] [1]

Moldova's independence movement was built on the persecution of ethnic minorities. [1] Beatings, torture and other forms of physical violence was the direct cause of government-sponsored hate language. [1] In 1992, Moldova invaded Pridnestrovie. According to eye-witnesses and a human rights organization working with the Soros Foundation, Moldova used mass violence and massacres [1] of innocent villagers.

Later, Moldova started a smear campaign [1] aimed at isolating Pridnestrovie [1] diplomatically, accusing Pridnestrovie of being a "black hole" [1] for arms smuggling. But the first of a set of international inspection visits produced a clean bill of health [1] for Pridnestrovie: No evidence of arms production. Likewise, Western diplomats [1] called Moldova's smuggling accusations "greatly exaggerated" and added that there wasn't "a shred of evidence".

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TERRITORY: [1] Maps from history uncover the real borders [1] Historically, Pridnestrovie was never part of Moldova. So where does Moldova's land claim come from? Discover the maps showing the territory of today's Pridnestrovie throughout more than two thousands years of time. [more] [1] BRIEFING: Questions and Answers [1] Why, after all these years, does Moldova still want Pridnestrovie? What is the basis for Moldova's claim to Pridnestrovie? Why does Pridnestrovie not recognize itself to be part of Moldova? Is the conflict ethnic? Religious? Why are negotiations deadlocked? What's next: How will the conflict play out..?[more] [1] RELATED SUBJECTS: Historical background [1] Independence, sovereignty and the birth of the nation [1] Human rights and minority protection [1] International recognition [1]

READ MORE: Statement by the PMR Ministry of Education regarding Moldovan schools [1] Pridnestrovie's Minister of Education sets the record straight: For five years now, there's been an unending stream of innuendoes cast which has been cast by Moldova about the “fate” of six non-state schools teaching Romanian on the territory of Pridnestrovie. Now, let us look at the facts... ...[more] [1] Articles related to Moldova: Moldova: Model to follow ... or human rights disaster? [1] Censorship in Moldova: Pridnestrovie's media banned [1] Human rights groups say Moldova massacred innocent villagers [1] Moldovan schools in Pridnestrovie [1] Conflict resolution and Pridnestrovie's international relations [1] Background facts: Mistreatment of ethnic minorities in Moldova, 1988-92 [1] Two separate and very different countries [1] Geopolitics: Pridnestrovie's unique role in Europe [1] International inspectors: No arms production in Pridnestrovie [1] Referendum on independence or federation with Moldova [1] UN and OSCE: Pridnestrovie is "different" and "distinct" [1] Background analysis: PMR's sovereignty in international law [1] Moldova: "null and void" merging with Pridnestrovie [1] FAQ, Moldova/Pridnestrovie relations [1]