Smirnov says no rapprochement with Moldova

“Categorically there can be no rapprochement between the two sides of the Nistru. Today this is obvious even for those who failed to noticed it earlier”, the self-styled president of the Transnistrian separatist republic has told a news conference on Thursday. Smirnov reiterated “Transnistria is willing to negotiate with Moldova, but in its dialogue with Chisinau, Tiraspol will base its position on the results of the 2006 referendum and on the understandings reached earlier”. Commenting on statements by Moldovan officials concerning the need to evacuate the Russian troops from Moldovan soil, Smirnov said Russia has fulfilled all of its commitments taken at the Istanbul summit. Talking about his recent visit to South Ossetia, Smirnov said the Russian military and economic presence there have brought security and stability to the Ossetians, relieving their “burdens and concerns”.