Separatist leader from Tiraspol claims that the main goal of Transnistria is uniting with Russia

The results of the referendum from Transnistria planned for September 17 will become the basis of the region’s political vector, declared on Thursday, August 31, during a press conference Igor Smirnov, leader of the self-proclaimed leader of the breakaway region. When asked what will be the official actions if the population will choose integration with the Russian Federation, Smirnov, cited by Olvia-Press, stated that Tiraspol will officially continue to strengthen its relations Russia, that, according to the separatist leader, helped Transnistria in the most tragic and dramatic moments. Referring to the aid that Moscow sent after the new customs regime was introduced at the Ukrainian-Moldovan borders, Smirnov stated that the situation in the region would have been hard to predict without this aid. The Tiraspol leader mentioned that Russia and Transnistria are connected through relations ranging from economics to culture. He also stated that Russia’s intentions to collaborate with Transnistria are seen in all aspects, and the main goal is the integration in the economy and life of Transnistria. Regarding relations with Chisinau, the separatist leader declared that in order to speak about the integration of Transnistria and Moldova common intentions are required, but time showed that the intention of the sides differ. Over the past 16 years, all Chisinau actions were meant to harm the Transnistrians, he stated. Referring to the declarations of several international organizations and western states about the illegal character of the referendum and that the results will not be recognized, Smirnov stated that these affirmations do not matter. “All that matters is the will of the Transnistrians”, Smirnov claimed.