Igor Smirnov declares that he will retire only when international community recognizes Transnistria’s independence

The leader of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian republic, Igor Smirnov says that he will pension off only when the Transnistrian state will be recognized by the international community. According to the press from the separatist region, Smirnov made these declarations Monday, September 4 in Tighina where he participated in the festivity dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the strike committee headed by Galina Andreeva. “Only when we will be recognized, I will retire” Smirnov announced during the speech he delivered to event’s participants. The separatist leader confirmed his intention to run for the 3rd time for the office of president of Transnistria. The elections in the self proclaimed republic are planned to be organized on December 17, 2006. The legislation of the unrecognized republic does not impose any limitations on how many times a person is allowed to run for president. Two issues will be questioned by the Tiraspol’s authorities within the upcoming referendum: “Do you support Transnistria’s independence and a further adhering to the Russian Federation?” and “Do you support giving up to the independence and a further integration into the RM?”. Chisinau, Western countries, as well as international organizations labeled the referendum as illegitimate and declined its results in advance. On the other hand, several Russian officials announced repeatedly that the referendum might be recognized by Moscow.