Tiraspol - Moldova - Mafia in Uniform

Moldova wants NATO support in withdrawing Russian troops from Tiraspol.


Mihai Ghimpu seeks NATO support in withdrawing Russian troops from Transnistria

12 november 2010


Acting President Mihai Ghimpu sent a letter to the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Anders Fogh Rasmussen, asking him to provide support in the pullout of the Russian troops from the Transnistrian region.

[---]

In a press briefing on November 12, the Acting President said the letter to the NATO Secretary General was sent in the context of the discussions on the revitalization of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE Treaty) and the OSCE Summit that will take place in Astana this December.

Russia: Only Russian peacekeepers can guarantee security in Moldova separatist region

Moscow, Nov. 15 (Interfax) - The presence of Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria is a firm guarantee of regional security and serves the interests of both Tiraspol and Chisinau, the Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman Alexander Nesterenko said in a statement posted on the ministry's website on Monday.

The statement came in response to Moldovan Acting President Mihai Ghimpu's address to NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in which he asked him to assist in promoting a Russian troop withdrawal from Transdniestria.

Related thread (from 2007) :
Russia Has Suspended The CFE

There are parliamentary elections in Moldova tomorrow (Sunday).


Interview: Romanian Foreign Minister Says Russian Troops In Moldova An 'Anachronism'

November 24, 2010


Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi says he hopes Moldova will maintain its course toward closer EU integration after the November 28 parliamentary elections and he promoted greater European involvement in negotiations to settle the Transdniester dispute.

[---]

He also called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Moldova, whose presence he termed an "anachronism."

[---]

RFE/RL: In general, Moldovan elections were carefully watched abroad only in Bucharest, Moscow, and of course, Tiraspol. The stakes are much higher now though: a victory of the ruling coalition would open the way to the West and to a deeper Western involvement in the Transdniester dispute. A communist comeback would mean further stagnation and more of the same in relations with Moscow and Tiraspol.

Don’t mention Transnistria: Moldova on the eve of elections

25 November 2010


The one critical issue getting in the way of Moldova's European integration is the status of the frozen conflict in Transnistria, the 530,000-strong majority Slavic and Russian-speaking separatist region sandwiched between Moldova and Ukraine

[---]

Since 2006, some $62 million of Russian aid has come to the region, used in part to deliver "Putin pensions" to locals.

Rally before elections

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Antipact Association will hold a rally dedicated to the 92nd anniversary of the Great Union of December 1, 1918 in central Chisinau on November 27.

Moldova to obtain 41 million euros from EU for state institution system development

This is might be my favorite threads so I thought I would add bits of info I've found interesting. These are two fairly old docs but they are still relevant.

"The Other Moldova" - this documentary goes into details about Tiraspol (Transnistria) and its involvement in selling arms, its use of old Soviet weapons factories, and also WHY it is still standing (which is due to Russian support).




Europe's Black Hole - this documentary is about the political side of Transnistria. Who controls it, why the people there support it, how it supports itself economically, and what it's like in Transistria.



Hope you like these videos.

reply to post by Hellmutt


Ernest Vardanean has been pardoned.


Moldovan journalist pardoned in separatist region

All of a sudden, they came to me and said: ‘Get your stuff quickly. You’re being released,’” Vardanean told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Moldovan Service after arriving home in Tiraspol, the de facto capital of the breakaway region.

“It’s still a shock for me. I still cannot believe that I am home now,” he said.

A court in Transnistria sentenced Vardanean in December 2010 to 15 years in prison for espionage in a verdict that prompted protests from the international community amid accusations that the charges were unfounded.

[---]

Authorities said he was spying for Moldova’s secret services, and he was ultimately charged with high treason, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Talks fail.


Russia "disappointed" as Transistria reunification talks flop

Jun 22, 2011


A much-anticipated conference aimed at finding an end to the standoff between Moldova and its renegade province Transnistria has 'unfortunately' failed, the Russian government said Wednesday.

A state of war technically still exists between Chisinau and Tiraspol, the unrecognized capital of Transnistria

Being a Molodvan, myself, I'm sure we'll never sort out Transnistria's problem. So far we've seen only talks, talks, talks, no actions whatsoever. When you have a powerhouse like Russia applying constant support to the region, the thoughts of reunification are wishful thinking.

Transnistria is a brainwashed, monopolized #hole that worships Mother Russia.No one speaks Romanian there, or have any connections to our culture.

We blew our chance to reunite with Romania straight after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We remained in Russia's pocket.

Russia persuades Smirnov to resume talks.


Moscow finds way to "persuade" Transdniestrian leader to resume talks

Today at 16:34 | Interfax-Ukraine


Talks in the 5+2 format are to resume in Moscow on Sept. 22[...]

Moscow played the key role in getting Smirnov to continue the talks, he said.

In August, the Russian Investigative Committee's Main Investigations Department launched a check into an alleged mishandling of Russian financial aid to Transdniestrian and into a reported involvement of Smirnov's family members in it, Kommersant writes.

Last week, the chief of the consular service of the Russian Embassy in Moldova, Dmitry Baranov, said that Russia was suspending the issuance of Russian citizenship in Transdniestrian, and that those in need of it must travel to Chisinau.

They are talking again.


Moldovan official, Tiraspol’s political representative discuss Transnistrian conflict settlement

2013-01-30


Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Eugen Carpov and Tiraspol’s political representative in the Transnistrian conflict’s settlement, Nina Shtanski, held a meeting at the headquarters of the Ukrainian embassy in Chisinau on 29 January. Attending the meeting were also representatives of mediators and observers within the five-plus-two format negotiations

Carpov welcomed Ukraine’s turn to hold the OSCE chairmanship in 2013, voicing hope that Ukraine will further be Moldova’s faithful partner in the Transnistrian conflict’s settlement process.

The political representatives have also examined a document providing for initial measures to ensure the free movement. In the context of confidence-building measures between Chisinau and Tiraspol, both sides agreed on the need to ensure this right. In this respect, the officials discussed the creation of a database for Transnistrian vehicles and their number plates, which would comply with international standards and requirements.

Well, guys, it seems it ended pretty funny. Such bombast claims in the beginning, several years ago: arms traffic, lost nuclear suitcases, misterious Alasan rockets, trade with Chechnya, ties with Al Qaida and late Sadam Hussein, Victor Bout on his plane landing in Tiraspol, etc... and what in the end? Nothing. )) No OSCE or EUBAM reports confirming any of these accusations.

Yeah, and the talks are still going on... The last round of 5+2 in Lviv ended with no results. As usual, I must say.

By the way, did you see new Transnistrian foreign minister, Nina Shtanski? Beautiful woman! Looks like Monica Bellucci:


How do you think, is she connected with international terrorism? ))))

reply to post by RaduPostica


She's very beautiful!

The foreign ministers of Poland, the United Kingdom and Sweden, Radosław Sikorski, William Hague and Carl Bildt visited Moldova. Sikorski and Bildt also visited Transnistria.


Moldova – An important visit at a key moment (2013-03-05)

[---] it is hard not to notice the unprecedented fact, which was a visit of ministers Sikorski and Bildt to the non-recognised region of Transnistria. The truth, of course, is that this breakaway territory has already been visited by European diplomats but not of this rank.

[---] the Polish and Swedish ministers visited the fortress and memorial complex in the Transnistrian Bendery.

Seemingly, Sikorski and Bildt’s visit to Bendery, can be interpreted as a clear signal that thanks to such visits Transnistria will no longer be seen as a European outcast.

Possibly this visit was meant to show Transnistria that it is being treated seriously and encourage it to further engage in dialogue.

At a press conference (today?), Transnistria's leader apparently said that instead of Transnistria joining Moldova, Moldova should join Transnistria, in order to solve all problems. Then he said "this is a joke, of course".


Liderul de la Tiraspol: "Moldova ar trebui alipită Transnistriei" (in Romanian)

Originally posted by Hellmutt
At a press conference (today?), Transnistria's leader apparently said that instead of Transnistria joining Moldova, Moldova should join Transnistria, in order to solve all problems. Then he said "this is a joke, of course".

This press conference took place on March 15. Moldovan journalist asked Shevchuk about his views on political situation in Chisinau where disagrement between the pro-Western political parties led to collapse of the ruling alliance and fall of the government.

By the way, this is the second joke of such kind made by Shevchuk. Earlier he proposed Moldovan city of Balti (whose population is mostly Russian-speaking) and Gagauz autonomy to join Transdniestria, but immediatly he said that it was a joke.

It seems that political crisis in Moldova shall damage the little progress in 5+2 negotiations on the settlement of the conflict. Politicians in Chisinau are now more busy with their internal struggle for power then with process of reintegration of the country.

Russia is worried over lack of progress at settlement talks.


Russia worried over lack of progress at Moldova-Transdiestria talks

6/07/2013 ITAR-TASS

Russia is worried over lack of progress at the settlement talks between Moldova and Transdiestria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said on Friday after a meeting with Transdniestria’s Foreign Minister Nina Stanski.

Relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol have strained after Moldova, which is seeking a liberalization of the visa regime with the European Union, began to install migration control check point at the border along the Dniester. The Transdienstian leader, Yevgeny Shevchuk condemned these steps that, in his words, pose certain risks to people living in Transdniestria, the bulk of whom have Russian and Ukrainian passports. In response, Tiraspol unilaterally endorsed the law on the state border and measures to protect it.

Ukraine wants to open a consulate in Tiraspol.


Ukraine interested in opening consulate general in Tiraspol, says diplomat

06.07.2013

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 90,000 Ukrainians live in Transdniestria, therefore it is reasonable to open a consulate of Ukraine in Tiraspol.

Ukraine ready to organize meeting between Moldova and Transdniestria leaders.


Kyiv ready to organize platform for meeting of Moldova and Transdniestria leaders

July 6, 2013


The Ukrainian side is insisting that a dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol at the highest level is important for a successful settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict

Another round of 5+2 negotiations are planned in Vienna on July 16-17.


Mediators , participants prepare for new round of 5+2 talks on Transdniestria (July 10, 2013)

Internet Censorship

Since last year, several websites have been blocked in Tiraspol.


Web of Mystery

19 July 2013


An unusual event took place 7 July in Tiraspol, the chief city of Transdniester, when a group of protesters gathered on a park square and called for a stop to the obstruction of websites critical of the government. It marked the first public demonstration against the administration of President Yevgeny Shevchuk since he came to power 18 months ago, pledging a more open style of governing in the unrecognized quasi-state of fewer than half a million inhabitants.

One site, Transdniestrian Social Forum (PSF), was closed down by its administrator in May, while the rest – independent news sites, opposition sites, and discussion forums – remain blocked and inaccessible to customers of the territory’s dominant Internet provider, Interdnestrcom, although they can be accessed from elsewhere.

Another man said the silenced forums – which include plenty of anonymous scuttlebutt and scurrilous accusations – were useful “despite the gossip” that appears on them.

Anyone from Tiraspol here? Has Abovetopsecret been blocked in Tiraspol?

reply to post by Hellmutt


Greetings from Tiraspol, capital of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. No, Hellmutt, abovetopsecret.com can be accessed without any troubles.

President Shevchuk denies he gave any orders to block any sites in the Internet. Some days ago Moldovan journalists asked him about allegedly closed forums. He said he had nothing to do with some of them having troubles with the Interdnestrcom Internet provider.

Originally posted by Alekstir

abovetopsecret.com can be accessed without any troubles.

Good to hear that! Welcome to ATS!

Moldova and EU? NATO? Russian threats! And a military parade in Tiraspol. Two articles in Romanian, translated with Google.


Paradă militară la Tiraspol (In Romanian)


Google Translated snippet:

02.09.2013


Tiraspol was held this morning a military parade to mark 23 years of independence unrecognized Transnistrian region. The day before the festival, Transnistrian leader Yevgeniy Shevchuk said that 2014 will be "a decisive year for relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol" due to the increased influence that will become the European Union.

Vicepremierul rus, aflat în vizită la Tiraspol, şi-a reluat ameninţările la adresa Moldovei (In Romanian)


Google Translated snippets:

04.09.2013


Russian Deputy Prime Minister, on a visit to Tiraspol and Moldova threats resumed. Rogozin said that Moldova Transnistria could lose if they sign agreements with the EU. The official said that the European Union needs Moldova and negotiations on European integration is geo-political war against Russia.

He said that no country has joined the European Union without being a member of NATO and warned the Moldovan authorities not to do sudden movements this. "If the Republic of Moldova is a military alliance with Romania, what kind of peace at River can be? If you enter NATO, we say goodbye. Yourselves you sign the verdict, as Saakashvili did," said Dmitry Rogozin.

Earlier, Russian Dmitry Rogozin suggested vicepremeirul after meeting Leanca and Deputy Prime Minister Valeriu Lazar, that Moldova could be left without Russian gas if the Association Agreement signed in Vilnius